A �500k new youth club has won the backing of Colyton Parish Council, which has recommended that it should receive planning permission.

A �500k new youth club has won the backing of Colyton Parish Council, which has recommended that it should receive planning permission.The Reece Strawbridge Youth Centre, to be located at the Peace Memorial Playing Fields, was supported unanimously and met with overwhelming public backing.Residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns at the planning committee meeting held on Monday - with most feeling it would benefit the village and surrounding areas.The half million pound new youth club would also house the Caterpillars Nursery, the Scouts and two changing rooms for youth sport. Two new halls in the building would be made available for other community use, such as parties and dance rehearsals. Parish councillor and chairman of the management committee for the new centre Paul Arnott said �410,000 of funding had already been pledged and he hoped the Colyton Chamber of Feoffees would make a donation.He told the Herald: "The trustees feel this is the right building in the right place at the right time."We are delighted to have the unanimous support of the parish council and, in particular, to have been able to debate it in front of the town."Some residents had been concerned that the centre would cause noise problems and attract anti-social behaviour.But Sergeant Gary Phillips reasoned that, by offering the youth in the area an outlet to be active, there would be less anti-social behaviour and it could improve relationships within the community.He added he would also like to re-establish the cadets there - which could be the first pilot scheme in the area."There's very little for the youth to do in the community," he said. "We will create a feeling within the community of one-ship and respect. "I've a firm belief there will be respect shown by the youth for this building and correspondingly for the wider community."Cllr Clive Stone thanked the three representatives from the police force who attended and the public for a large turn out.