EFFORTS to create a drop-in centre for youngsters are to continue - despite the scheme being rejected by local councillors.

The team behind the proposal said it still wants it to proceed and has pledged to look for an alternative site.

North Yorkshire's community education service said there is a great need for such a facility in the market town of Bedale.

It had drawn up plans to create a centre in disused offices on the first floor of a Grade II-listed building in the market place.

However, although county council officials had recommended that the project be approved, members of the authority's planning committee have now rejected it, claiming access and room size were inadequate.

The idea had been to create an area which would be covered by closed-circuit television and with an access ramp for the disabled, where young people could meet under supervision.

The intention behind the project was to draw young people away from other areas, such as Bedale Hall, the churchyard or the market place, where anti-social behaviour had caused complaints.

But, although planning officers said there was no reason to turn down the application local businesses objected and claimed it was the wrong site for such a facility.

Councillor Oliver Blease said: "I have heard of more places in that area where it would be more suitable to have this centre."

And another councillor, Bernard Bateman, agreed the location was not suitable. "I don't know why it was ever considered," he said.

The head of Bedale High School, Dr John Critchlow, who supported the application, said the search would continue to find another venue for the centre.

He added: "It would be a breakthrough if some of the properties at present for sale in Bedale were available on a short-term lease at a reasonable rent."