A cemetery which has not been used for decades is set to get a new lease of life - as a youth centre in an attempt to combat troublemakers.

Scarborough Town Council is planning to convert the red-brick chapel in the town's Dean Road cemetery into a centre which young people can make the headquarters for a range of activities.

Derek Rowell, director of technical services, said the chapel, which has previously been earmarked for housing, could be a base for The Warehouse Youth Group, which is to lose its Seamer Road base later this year.

He said that anti-social behaviour in the cemetery area had escalated and using the chapel as a centre would help combat crime and unsocial problems.

Neighbours have complained to the police and council about loutish behaviour from teenagers, many of whom have been taking drugs and drinking in the cemetery, Mr Rowell said in a report to councillors.