RESIDENTS have asked planning bosses to ensure that security fences are installed when a new two-storey medical centre is built.

Members of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee last week approved plans for a one stop medical centre in Coundon.

People living in the village have also embraced proposals for the centre in Victoria Lane.

But at a meeting of the development control committee one of the residents spoke out about youths who gather outside the existing centre.

She said that people living in the area had had to put up with the anti-social behaviour of the youths and that the problem had started after the centre had been built.

She said she had particular concerns about a new play area, which would be situated at the back of the centre.

She said: "We would ask you to place security fencing around the play area for the children to stop these youths getting in there and leaving behind broken bottles and needles etc. This would hopeful allow us worry-free evenings and keep the children safe.''

The two storey building will house Sure Start child care, an IT suite, and rooms for training, dentistry, chiropody, counselling as well as the usual services expected from a health centre along with the children's play area and extra parking.

The single storey medical centre which currently stands on the site will eventually be pulled down and it is hoped the new facility could be up and running by January/February next year.

Money for the project has come from a combination of PFI funding, Neighbourhood Renewal, Sure Start and the Primary Care Trust.

Assistant director of regeneration David Townsend assured the residents that conditions had been added to the plans to incorporate safety fencing around the play area and car park.