MEASURES to curb antisocial behaviour are being stepped up in East Dorset, including the proposed closure of a car park at night and planned patrols to monitor problem areas.

Reports of antisocial behaviour in the Potters Wheel car park in Verwood have spurred East Dorset District Council into considering erecting a barrier at the council-owned car park at the rear of the One Stop store and Heathland Heritage Centre to prevent access after 11pm.

And in a separate move, Ferndown Town Council is attempting to engage disaffected teenagers by running patrols in trouble hotspots.

That idea was proposed at a town council meeting on Monday, which was attended by the head of Ferndown Upper School, Alex Wills, PC Jon Sweet and Vic Morley, a youth leader based at Ferndown Youth Centre.

Cllr Maureen Godfrey said afterwards: "Members of the town council were urged to go out to the skateboard park and to Heatherlands with police officers, or antisocial behaviour workers, on Friday nights between 6pm and 9pm.

"Unfortunately some young people who want to use the skateboard park feel intimidated by some of the youngsters who are drinking alcohol and hanging around there."

A conference to discuss the issue will be held at Ferndown Upper School next February and will be attended by pupils from nearby schools.

A decision over the closure at night time of the Potters Wheel car park will be made on Wednesday at an East Dorset District Council meeting.

The council had received complaints from residents living nearby about antisocial behaviour, including youngsters driving their cars and motorbikes around it as well as playing ball games, skateboarding and listening to car stereos.

Timers were fitted to the car park's lighting columns so that they switched off at 11pm, but this may not have been enough.

If councillors agree with the proposals, a six-month trial, beginning in March, would see the car park closed at 11pm and reopened by toilet cleaning staff at 7.30am.

The times would not operate on Sundays when the toilets are not open, and alternative arrangements will have to be made.

A council spokesperson said the idea was dependent on getting the agreement of the residents of April House and the Heritage Museum because they have a right of way into the car park.

The council has pledged to consult the public over the proposals.

First published: November 19