A TOWN council has overwhelming thrown its backing behind plans to create a new youth centre despite opposition from traders.

Councillors on Prudhoe Town Council's planning, contract, and work's committee voted by a margin of seven to zero to support a planning application submitted by Prudhoe Community Partnership.

The application would see a change in use for Unit 1 at Number 10 Front Street to create a space for community groups with a private cafe.

It has lead to objections from residents and traders due to the site's proximity to the Services Club, the snooker club, and Wor Local Micro Pub.

Objecting, Paul Murray, chairman of the Prudhoe Traders Committee, wrote: "The sustainability of Front Street is dependant on the survival of retail.

"This is a retail unit and not fit for purpose as a youth centre. The East Centre already exists and should be supported and developed to accommodate all Prudhoe youth.

"This is not an appropriate environment for the youth of Prudhoe, given the exposure to alcohol and smoking."

However, the partnership's George Hepburn insisted that it was the best place for the youth centre. Speaking at last Wednesday's meeting, Mr Hepburn said: "The youth project has made great progress and appointed an experienced, qualified youth worker - but we urgently need somewhere to work from.

"We don't think the East Centre is fit for purpose, but we still have a plan to build a centre for children and young people in a few years time.

"We would do it up to be the best and smartest unit on Front Street. We need a presence in the town centre so young people from all parts of the town can have access to it."

Coun. Angie Scott read comments she had received from residents backing the plans.

She said: "A lady said 'Urgent provision of support is crucial if we are to help our young people and the wider community.

"They are suffering from the impacts of Covid 19 and it is everyone's responsibility to help make up from lost schooling and offer wider opportunities to socialise."

Coun. Jennifer McGee said she was torn, as she wanted to support traders and the youth.

But she voted to support the application, and said: "I feel the young people need better than what they're getting at the moment. If they have somewhere to go and feel as if they're wanted, hopefully the ones that go there can be put on the right path."