A VILLAGE youth club's mural is to stay, despite the objections of residents.

The artwork of youngsters at West Rainton, which decorates the outside of the Jubilee Hall, in North Road, was only meant to be a temporary feature.

But when the club, which meets in the hall, sought planning permission to make the mural permanent, 13 villagers objected.

They claimed the pictures, which depict the village's history and feature portraits of village children, were unattractive and garish, attracted vandals and distracted drivers.

But Durham City Council's development control committee decided that the mural made a positive contribution to the village and granted planning permission.

Local councillor Ian Fawcett said: "The mural really does improve the front of the building. It is just a plain brick wall on the toilet block.

"I think the objectors are totally wrong. The mural does not cause vandalism, far from it. Because the children did the mural themselves, it does not get touched at all.

"They watch their peers to make sure the mural is not harmed. It is only on a Wednesday that they congregate there, when the youth club meets, but they don't cause problems.

"The mural does enhance the building."

Development control manager Allan Simpson told the committee: "The mural itself undoubtedly provides a colourful addition to the building, with a scene of village history.

"The large number of objections received have been taken into account, but on balance, I am satisfied that the mural offers a positive contribution to the building."