COUNCILLORS have blocked a multi-million pound performing arts and media centre for teenagers amid fears of anti-social behaviour.

Community volunteers from the Headland Development Trust had secured £4.5m of Government and lottery funding for The New Life Centre, in King Oswy Drive, Hartlepool.

But now the ambitious plans are in disarray after Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee refused permission.

Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, who voted in favour, resigned from the committee in the aftermath and town Mayor Stuart Drummond said he was "gobsmacked" by the decision.

Proposals for The New Life Centre included a two-storey building, comprising smaller blocks connected by a central spine.

The centre, aimed at people aged between 13 and 19, would have provided opportunities for them to record their own music and take part in dance and drama.

The facility would also have had an IT suite, television studio and social areas.

The proposal was rejected because of the building's position and fears that youths would cause anti-social behaviour problems for nearby residents.

Those behind the plans are deciding whether to appeal the decision to the Government's Planning Inspectorate.