HEADTEACHERS at four Darlington schools have voiced opposition to plans for an amusement arcade in the Cockerton area of the town.

Count Cash Amusements had its application to change the use of the Take-a-Break Caf, on Cockerton Green, rejected by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee last week.

The application drew 67 letters of objection and a 1,000 signature petition.

But Alan Fulton, of Count Cash Amusements of Middlesbrough, who made the application, criticised the decision and said he was confident an appeal would succeed.

The company has also submitted an application for a gaming permit.

Headteachers at Branksome Comprehensive School, and Cockerton CE, Holy Family RC and Alderman Leach primary schools, have registered their objections, saying it would have a detrimental effect on the community and that they fear the caf could become a meeting place for children.

In a letter to the council, Branksome School headteacher Linda Hartley wrote: "As a school we are constantly battling against poor attendance and truancy among a small group of pupils and having such an attraction on our doorstep will undermine our efforts no end.

"We strive to ensure our pupils are safe at lunchtimes but I feel this attraction will seriously affect our lunch- time systems, as it may well turn into a gathering place which could jeopardise the safety of our children."

Count Cash Amusements plans to have a designated area for over-18s on the site, as well as continuing to run the caf.

The police have not objected to the permit application.

Darlington has four amusement arcades in the town centre.

Councillors will decide whether to grant a gaming permit to Count Cash Amusements at a meeting on Wednesday.