Government yesterday announced a U-turn over plans to set up a home for troubled youngsters at Tudor Farm.

It backed down in the face of fierce protests by neighbours at the Southampton site.

The Progressive Labour Party had aligned themselves with the objectors.

The search is now on for another site -- with a plea for more understanding from Bermudians.

In announcing the climb-down to the House of Assembly, Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness laid bare the extent of problems facing Bermuda's youngsters.

Describing the statistics as "alarming'', he revealed: Reports of mistreatment of children to his Ministry had quadrupled over the last seven years, parental neglect being the most common complaint; Every month, seven women and ten children flee their homes to seek shelter from domestic violence; A high incidence of premature sexual activity, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; A dramatic increase during the last five years of violent crimes by teenagers; An estimated 12 percent of children in primary and secondary schools are considered at risk because of their home conditions; and During this term, 150 students had been asked to leave their schools for periods because of anti-social behaviour.

One of the Tudor Farm plan protesters was Government's Southampton West MP Mr.

David Dodwell.

Yesterday he declared: "I am pleased with Government's decision but also sensitive to the need for a residential care centre for our young people.'' Shadow Environment Minister the Rev. Trevor Woolridge said the PLP had now withdrawn a motion calling for another site to be found.

"We withdrew the motion because Government followed our lead and was also concerned about a split in the Cabinet.'' Mr. Edness explained why Government had scrapped its Tudor Farms plans.

"Rather than allow this proposal to create ill-feeling and controversy in the community, the Government has decided not to proceed with the relocation of this facility there.

"We will look for an alternative site as a matter of urgency.'' But Mr. Edness warned of the problems Government faced in finding a suitable site -- and spoke of Bermudians having to make sacrifices.

"We will find another site. It will undoubtedly have neighbours. I would ask them to be a little more understanding and, by doing so, to help us carry out this difficult, but vital task of helping children break the cycle of neglect and crime.''