Recent MML/GMG report about this very subject:
I had an amazing conversation with a Councillor just before Christmas. He was bleating about kids hanging around in bus stops, antisocial behaviour, being disruptive and intimidating. I agreed to visit and check the issues out.
Said “Troublesome group of layabouts and scallywags” were pretty standard teenagers. Two were current Army cadets, one of the others is in SJA. There were ex-Scouts (who left at 13 because they out grew it), ex-Guides (similar story). Most attended either the local football or rugby club 1 night a week. All attend College during the day (albeit, 3 days a week). Most worked part time on their days off. Leaving their evenings as their only time for socialising - but they are too young to go to the one pub in the village. So they hang around in bus stops.
Their biggest gripe was with the Councillors themselves, who voted to close the youth service hub they had - meaning they now have nowhere to go in the evenings, so congregate at the bus stops because it’s sheltered and marginally warmer. “Afterall,” said one, “it’s not like we have any buses after 6pm - so it’s not like it’s being used for transport”.
I asked the Councillor to come and meet themself. He declined the offer.