HAMPSHIRE civic chiefs have been accused of wasting money after spending £42,865 on an advertising campaign for the youth service while closing careers and advice shops.

Cllr Jackie Porter spoke out as the county council confirmed it spent £28,060 placing posters on bus shelters and £14,805 on newspaper adverts.

This is despite shutting eight out of 13 Connexions centres to save money, including St George's Street, Winchester, and High Street, Eastleigh.

The council took over the South Central Connexions service on April 1 - the day it shut more than half the centres.

Some of the 250 staff will be based in schools and colleges, offering advice and support on issues such as relationships and bullying, while others will work in the community and Wessex Youth Offending Team.

Council chiefs say bringing the service inhouse will result in a more integrated and efficient service. Savings will be ploughed back into frontline services, they say.

The advertising campaign aims to make young people aware help and support is still available.

But Cllr Porter said youngsters not in education, employment or training were unlikely to want to go back to school for advice.

Cllr David Kirk, who is responsible for children's services, defended the campaign.

He said: "It would be irresponsible not to provide clear information for young people about how they can continue to access guidance and support."