OUTRAGED residents have failed to stop a shop in the Mowden area of Darlington being turned into a youth and community centre.

Elm Ridge Methodist Church has been given 18 months to see if its pilot scheme in a former newsagent's shop in Fulthorpe Avenue can work.

But people who live in the area believe the plan is a recipe for disaster, which will simply attract bigger-than-ever gangs of unruly youths.

A total of 20 letters of objection were received on Wednesday by Darlington planning committee, together with a 67-name petition.

They said the shop unit was unsuitable and would only exacerbate current problems of vandalism, hooliganism, drugs and drunkenness.

One said: "An appeal was recently turned down for an Indian takeaway on the grounds of nuisance and noise. This will be 20 times worse."

Ward councillors said it would be better if one of the nearby schools opened once or twice a week.

Members heard the centre would open initially on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30-9pm and would be staffed by people experienced in youth work and behavioural management. The project leader would live in the first-floor flat.

Malcolm Cundick, architect, wrote that a maximum of 30 youngsters could go in and the caf would be deliberately overstaffed so that the team could work with those outside, redirecting them to other places, such as Branksome Youth Club.

The caf would provide internet and video facilities and could develop arts and craft classes, homework clubs and health and beauty workshops, depending on the needs of the youngsters.

Insp Chris Reeve of the Darlington anti-social behaviour unit, said the vast majority of the youths congregating in Mowden were law-abiding.

"This may prove to be a model for other areas of the town," he said. "It would be regrettable if it was not given the opportunity to be tested."

A residents' spokesman reinforced their concerns, claiming the police had not helped them deal with problems in Mowden up to now.

"Frustration has turned to anger," he warned. "I am a pacifist, that is why I am here today to show how incensed I am by this."

The Rev Philip Clarke, minister at Elm Ridge, said it would take 18 months to get the project off the ground and reach its full potential.

Coun Glen Reynolds said he detected a "not in our backyard" attitude, when the problems were really a community responsibility.

But Coun Charles Johnson was not satisfied. "Mowden is a target for youths. Some are transported in from other parts of town.

"I believe the scheme will affect the lives of existing residents and should be refused."

Chairman, Coun Frank Robson, countered: "I think only good can come from this application."

The committee agreed to give the scheme a chance.