PLANS for a new amusement arcade to be opened in Darlington are set to be given the go-ahead - despite serious fears about the effect on youngsters.

Residents of Cockerton have raised numerous concerns about the potential impact of proposals to open the arcade in a former caf on the village green.

Church leaders, teachers and business owners are among those to have condemned the scheme, revealed by Count Cash, of Middlesbrough.

The company submitted plans to the local authority for a caf and amusement arcade, including 30 gaming machines.

Darlington Borough Council planners were due to consider the application at a meeting yesterday - with officials recommending the scheme for approval.

They believe the centre would not have an adverse impact on either the business community or the conservation area of Cockerton.

However, angry protesters have sent 40 letters of complaint to the council's planning department.

They say the facility would lead to a rise in crime, particularly fighting, graffiti and vandalism.

Many fear it could also encourage truancy among school pupils, as there are three secondary schools within walking distance of Cockerton.

The company has stressed that the arcade would be strictly for people over 18, because of the £25 pay-out machines.

Bosses say that most customers would be more than 50 years old and would stay for about four hours, as well as eating on the premises.

A report to councillors, urging approval for the scheme, says: "The concerns which have been raised have been acknowledged and taken into consideration.

"However, on balance, it would be difficult for officers to recommend a refusal of planning permission on moral grounds, or on grounds of noise and disturbance, as the premises will be licensed for over 18-year-olds only."

The report adds: "The proposed change of use would not result in the loss of a retail shop - the property is currently a caf - and therefore the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the district centre as a shopping area."