AN EMPTY shop on the Mowden estate in Darlington could be transformed into a youth centre to cut down anti-social behaviour in the area.

Elm Ridge Methodist Church has submitted the proposal for a change of use to Darlington Borough Council planning department.

The Rev Philip Clarke said "We do a lot of youth and children's work here already and we would like to see that develop. We are having a meeting of the church council next week to get its views.

"We are looking for partners and have been in consultation with local schools, community groups and so on. The feedback has been very positive."

Phil Smith, the church's youth worker, said: "We see a lot of things happening in the community: young people hanging around and anti-social behaviour.

"We want to do something about that, to see the community improve. We want to provide the kids with somewhere safe to meet their friends, perhaps play sports or games.

"We want to remove the problem, not have this seen as a negative thing.

"The reality is that, in the midst of a very densely populated area, there is nothing in terms of community activities, except the rugby club and those provided by Cockerton and Elm Ridge churches."