YOBS hanging around Amesbury tourist information centre are intimidating staff and disrupting their work.

The problem has proved so bad in recent weeks that the centre has twice been forced to close its doors early and turn away customers.

Sheila Warrander, the council's portfolio holder for resources, said: "During the recent dark, winter afternoons, we have, regrettably, experienced difficulties in our information office in Amesbury, caused by disruptive and intimidating behaviour by a number of young people.

"We are taking this problem very seriously, and have a meeting planned with the antisocial behaviour officer, the police community officer, Amesbury library and Salisbury district council staff. "It is our intention to agree a balanced action plan to enable us to continue to deliver a high level of service to all residents and visitors to Amesbury, while at the same time ensuring that we do not put our staff in an unacceptable position."

Staff at Amesbury tourist information centre are based in a temporary office outside the main library.

They are due to move into the library, as part of plans to develop a so-called one-stop shop, which would also include an office for Amesbury town council, the Citizens' Advice Bureau and a contact point for both Salisbury district council and Wiltshire county council.

"We have to make sure this moves forward now, with some added priority," said deputy mayor of Amesbury John Noeken.

"Staff at Amesbury TiC should not have to put up with this type of behaviour."

Mr Noeken, who is also the district council's portfolio holder for planning and economic development, said he had met Salisbury district council leader Kevin Wren and George Batten, director of environmental services at Wiltshire county council, and both had renewed their commitment to the one-stop project.

"Both councils are committed to making this work," said Mr Noeken.

"In fact, all parties are committed to ensuring a successful outcome."