YOUNG people celebrated in a council chamber after plans to transform a vacant pub into a youth centre were given the green light.

Rachel Bevan, 17, of Edgeside, impressed councillors with a detailed vision for the White Horse property in Edgeside Lane.

Despite objections from residents and a local councillor, the development control committee gave the teenager its full backing.

Speaking at the development meeting, Rachel said: “The building has remained derelict for too long but it is still a valuable community resource.

“Our vision is to have a place in Edgeside where young people will want to meet, talk, and feel welcome and safe.

“They will have access to a range of activities, such as homework support with computer access, life skills courses, arts and media workshops and counselling services”

Rachel is a member of the Ignite young people’s group, which meets in Edgeside, and is a leader on the White Horse project planning team.

Coun Amanda Robertson, a member of St Anne’s Church, which is spearheading and funding the project, pleaded with the committee not to take the advice of Coun Alan Neal, who spoke out against the project.

Coun Robertson said: “Though it is close to residents, we have spoken to the next door neighbour and she thinks the idea is a good one.

“The young people in the centre will leave the venue at 10pm at the latest and the noise levels will be kept to a minimum.

“This is a Christian project and we will respect the residents and make sure we keep the volume down.”

The committed group has already received funding for a trained counsellor to be on site to talk to young people about any problems they may be having.

Coun Alan Neal said he did not think 10pm was an appropriate closing time.

He said: “The young people may be asked to leave at 10pm but they may very well stay near the venue after it is closed.

“Bacup would be a more suitable location for a project like this.”

Six letters of objection were submitted to the council regarding the centre.