PLANS for a youth centre in Darlington are expected to be approved by councillors, despite several objections.

Elm Ridge Methodist Church has submitted proposals to the borough council for the facility to be set up in one of the units on the Mowden shopping parade.

The centre would be able to accommodate 30 youngsters, providing a cafe with Internet access.

Activities could eventually include arts and crafts classes, homework clubs, and health and beauty workshops.

The centre would initially open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6.30pm to 9pm, and would be staffed by experienced youth workers.

However, the scheme has faced criticism from residents and the Mowden ward councillors.

Fifteen letters of objection have been received by the council's planning department. They say the centre is too near an off-licence and would lead to an increase in under-age drinking.

One letter said the centre would "exacerbate current problems of vandalism, hooliganism, drugs and drunkenness".

But council officers are recommending the scheme be approved at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

They say the application is finely balanced but the council would monitor its success.