PLANS to turn a former pub into a youth centre have been described as a "disaster for the community" by residents.

Headland Future Limited has applied for planning permission to turn the former Golden Anchor public house in Abbey Street, Hartlepool, into a meeting place for young people.

The building, which has been empty for a number of years, is in a derelict state, and work in already under way to replace the roof.

If the proposal is given the go-ahead by Hartlepool Borough Council, the three-storey building will be turned into a youth centre with non-alcohol bars, dance floor, stage, computer room and fitness area.

The youth centre would be open six evenings a week and during school holidays, and a caf on the ground floor would be open to local residents and visitors to the area.

A petition containing 304 signatures has been sent to the council objecting to the plans.

One objector said: "The Headland community is made up of approximately 60 per cent mature citizens who would feel intimidated by the presence of a large number of teenagers in the vicinity of the premises.

"The development would be a disaster for the Headland community, as it would draw youngsters from all over Hartlepool, and not just the Headland, which could result in problems of street fighting and vandalism."

The residents have also expressed concern over proposals by the centre prospective managers to refuse admission to anyone who causes trouble, leaving them free to roam the residential areas.

The council will make a decision on the application at a meeting on Wednesday.

A council spokesman said: "The premises were formerly used as public house. In many ways the proposed use is similar.

"The proposal will bring a vacant building back into use in what is a predominately a commercial and industrial area.