Council shelves plans to convert closed community centre into facility for tackling antisocial behaviour

Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs have confirmed the plans have been withdrawn as they now intend to keep running its Youth Justice Service facility from its current site in Ladysmith Street.

Earlier this year proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council to allow the change of use of the former Jutland Road Community Centre to a Youth Justice Service facility.

The Youth Justice Service, run by the local authority, is for young people involved in anti-social behaviour and offending and offers a variety of group programmes, activities, support and advice.

A decision was due to be made by the council planning committee on the move, which had been recommended for approval, but it was announced at the latest meeting proposals had been withdrawn.

A council spokesperson has since confirmed the planning application was withdrawn because since submitting the application, the council’s children’s services department has determined that it is able to accommodate Youth Justice Services within the department’s existing premises.

The centre is primarily used as a base to deliver group work with young people aged between 10 and 17, including activities such as basic cookery and independent living skills.

It also delivers one-to-one intervention and training for young people in areas such as joinery

Previously three objections had been submitted to the proposals to convert the former community centre into the Youth Justice Service facility.

The three written objections submitted to the council all raised concerns about existing anti-social behaviour and crime in the area and fears it could worsen if the planned development went ahead.

Resident Clifford Field said: “My point being it has been hard enough living in this area having to watch out constantly for the welfare of my family and property without having the local council ship young offenders from other wartorn estates to our doorstep.

“I strongly object to these plans and believe they should be scrapped.”