An amusement centre in Hartlepool has been given approval despite residents' concerns about youths gathering outside their homes.

People in York Road and Middleton Grange Lane argued there were enough arcades in the area, which produced excessive noise and litter, but yesterday the arcade was given approval, subject to restrictions, between 8.30am and 8pm Monday to Saturday.

School move: Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council looks set to grant Loftus Development Trust a 25-year lease on the former Skinningrove School in an attempt to bring the building back into community use. The Trust hopes to secure Single Regeneration Budget funding of about £260,000. The council is also expected to grant a ten-year lease to the New Marske Community Association for Jubilee Hall, Gurney Street, New Marske.

Lift rescue: Firefighters in Saltburn were called to rescue a person who was trapped in a lift at Hanover House, Perth Street, Saltburn on Tuesday morning. The emergency tender from Coulby Newham also attended the incident.

Mayor's thanks: The Mayor of Middlesbrough, Councillor Kath Bevington, is celebrating after £1,224.82 was raised for her chosen charity, New Horizons (98), at the annual charity ball. She thanked companies and individuals for their donations of prizes and money and all who attended the ball on September 29.

Tree work: Elwick Village, near Hartlepool, has been given a helping hand to meet the cost of tackling diseased trees. Three trees, which were found to be in a serious condition, had to be felled because of their proximity to a road. Elwick Parish Council has been given £560 towards the cost of the work, from Hartlepool Borough Council's central neighbourhoods forum's minor works budget.

Photography club: There will be a lecture on The Art of Close Up, by John Taylor, at Guisborough Photographic Society tonight at Sunnyfield House, Westgate, Guisborough, starting at 7.15pm.

New services: A building company has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for permission to erect a motel, restaurant and petrol station on the A19 Northbound, near Elwick, Hartlepool. The 40-bedroomed Lodge and other services would update existing facilities in the area.

Butterwick charity: The Pink Domino pub in Hartlepool is holding a fun afternoon from noon today to raise money for the Butterwick Children's Hospice in Stockton. Patients from the hospice will be attending the event which will include a Junior Stars in Your Eyes competition, children's entertainers and a magician.

Coffee morning: A Macmillan coffee morning held at the Women's Institute Hall in Wolviston raised £215 for the cancer charity. Organiser Audrey Pinkney thanked everyone who helped.

homes plan: Persimmon Homes North-East has applied to Stockton Borough Council for permission to build 33 houses in The Groves, Ingleby Barwick.