CLOSE to 1,000 people are now opposing plans to have a caf and amusement centre in the middle of Cockerton - but planners are recommending approval.

Forty letters have been received by Darlington Council from objectors, mainly concerned that it will become a magnet for youngsters. Three petitions with more than 900 signatures have also been presented.

Concerns range from youths hanging around outside at night making pensioners feel unsafe through to the gambling temptations for pupils going to school.

There are also fears that it would attract anti-social behaviour, fighting and vandalism.

However, the applicant says nobody under 18 would be allowed on the premises, owing to the high pay-out machines. The patrons were usually over 50 years old, staying for up to four hours and eating in the caf.

There would be no video games or seaside machines and the maximum jackpot pay-out would be £25.

The caf, at 8-10 Cockerton Green, is situated in a row of commercial premises, between an off-licence and a bookmaker. When the application is heard at Wednesday's planning committee on Wednesday, officers have recommended approval, subject to it opening from 9am-6pm Mondays to Saturdays and closing on Sundays.