A PLAN to improve facilities for teenagers in Whiteley has been shunned by residents despite widespread complaints there are not enough play areas and youth facilities.

Fareham council's executive leader Councillor Sean Wood-ward said the situation was a repeat of opposition to play areas for older children going up in Hampshire's newest mini town seven years ago.

"Everyone wants better facilities for their children. But nobody wants them in their own backyard," he said.

"It is understandable but regrettable."

A covered seating area for up to six teenagers - dubbed a teen village - is set to go up in Whiteley for a nine month trial period on land off Sweethills Crescent. But more than half of the people living near the proposed shelter feared it would lead to graffiti and teenagers congregating to take drugs.

In a council consultation, 32 of 51 respondents said they did not want to see the new youth facility go up in the open land.

Their views mirrored those of people living in Locks Heath who successfully opposed the teen village going up in Priory Park earlier this year.

Cllr Woodward said: "We believe the best compromise is to have the seated area for young people for a trial period of nine months.

"It's a very large area of open space. Teenagers already go there but the problem is they sit in the toddlers' play area.

"We want to give them their own space. It will be a sad day if we have to remove it. "

Meanwhile the council's executive committee is also expected today to recommend working closely with Winchester City Council for a new skatepark to go up next to the Meadowside Sports Centre.

In another boost to the new community's youth facitilies, Whiteley Community Association is considering letting out one of the rooms of Whiteley Community Centre in Gull Coppice for a new youth club.

Seven years ago planners wanted to turn land off Clydesdale Road into a toddler area and build facilities for older children on land off Sweethills Crescent. However, opposition from residents thwarted the plans.