PLANS for a much-needed youth centre for teenagers in Northallerton are to take a major step forward.

North Yorkshire County councillors will be asked to approve £22,000 funding for the Northallerton Base Project at a meeting on Monday.

If the application is granted, the money will be used to pay for a manager to run the new centre and organise activities.

Northallerton has been without a youth club for the past three years after The Zone club, which was held in the basement of the town hall, was flooded twice.

It was forced to disband when no alternative location could be found.

The Base Project would initially see a programme of activities run from a variety of venues.

They would eventually be housed under one roof at the refurbished Connexions centre, in Northallerton High Street.

The long-term aim is to build a permanent home for the centre with a cafe, IT suite, social and office space and workshops.

Nicky Smith, from Northallerton Voluntary Services, is helping to move the project forward.

She said the centre would potentially reduce anti-social behaviour.

"It will be a base where agencies can work with groups and individuals to provide guidance on cultural activities, including all sections of youth arts, and on employment," she said.

"It will provide an environment where young people can express their views and rights to each other and the wider community."

A board of trustees has been formed to provide support and guidance to the youngsters behind the project.

Members include police officers, local councillors and youth workers.

Two years ago, a group of teenagers toured the country to see the types of youth clubs that have been set up elsewhere.

They visited Edinburgh, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Bolton, London and Thirsk, where the highly-successful Clock project has been created.

Bill Cross, head of corporate policy at North Yorkshire County Council, has recommended that the funding be granted.

He said the centre would create a safe and secure environment for all groups of young people.

The authority's Hambleton area committee will discuss the application on Monday.