A MINIBUS has been touring Castle Point to help tackle problems with underage drinking.

The Canvey Island Youth Project has been using the bus to visit hotspots where crowds of teenagers gather to drink alcohol at night.

These are usually parks and open spaces, Canvey town centre, and outside small parades of shops.

A team of youth workers and colleagues from the Essex Young Peoples’ Drug and Alcohol Service then speak to the teenagers about other options.

Corinne Wheeler, project co-ordinator, said: “The bus has enabled us to greatly extend our work by allowing us to get out to the trouble spots identified by police and engage with young people directly, providing information and advice on alcohol abuse and related issues over a friendly cup of tea or hot chocolate.”

The bill for the bus was footed by Castle Point Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership out of a £10,000 Home Office grant to tackle alcohol related issues.

Chief Insp Paul Eveleigh, of Castle Point police, has recently taken up a new role as chairman of the partnership.

He said: “There is a strong link between under-age drinking and antisocial behaviour and the partnership is pleased to support efforts to divert youngsters from alcohol misuse and nuisance behaviour.”

More than 150 youngsters have been seen since the bus was introduced in March.