RINGWOOD Town Council has shelved some recent controversial plans to build more community facilities in the town following the rejection of an unpopular shopping centre scheme by district councillors.

New Forest District Council dropped plans for the shopping development, which included a 300-seat theatre-style building as well as a new public square and taxi rank at the beginning of this year.

Instead they elected to replace the existing toilet block and visitor information centre, after strong objections by some town councillors and residents.

And at a meeting of Ringwood Town Council's recreation, leisure and open spaces committee on January 9, councillors agreed the money put aside for the proposal should now be removed from the budget and that the retention of any provisions would raise false expectations.

Town clerk Terry Simpson also recommended advising the town's residents that as the council has no other site available, it will not be possible to provide any additional community facilities yet.