PLANS for an amusement arcade in an area plagued by gangs of youths have been turned down.

Easington District Council received an application to turn a former solicitor's office in Blackhills Road, Horden, into an amusement arcade and cafe.

The applicant said it would only open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and that only over-18s would be admitted.

He also argued that the development would boost local employment and provide good food at a low cost.

But several local people objected, claiming it would only add to the number of youths loitering, causing a nuisance, and intimidating residents.

A petition bearing 25 signatures and seven letters of protest were submitted to the council.

Police and ward councillors also objected.

At a recent meeting of the council's development control and licensing panel, the application was refused.

A report prepared for the meeting said: "It is considered that, on balance, the proposals would be likely to be detrimental to the amenities of residents and would be harmful to the public's confidence by increasing the fear of crime."