A STORAGE building is to be converted into an out-of-school child care facility, despite fears about safety.

Town councillors in Thirsk have condemned the plans for a building in the market place, to accommodate 20 children.

They say that traffic in the area is already too heavy for children to be safe, but Hambleton District Council planning officers have backed the proposals.

Planning officer Helen Laws said: "The site has been inspected by social services, who agreed that the building is acceptable for the proposed use."

A town council spokesman said: "This area is totally unsuitable for this sort of organisation. The traffic situation in Chapel Street is far too dangerous and congested for small children to be walking about. To have parents dropping children off would add to the chaos.

"The street is used as an access to the rear of the Market Place shops with large wagons delivering at all times of day.