COUNCILLORS have objected to plans for a new youth centre in Edenbridge over fears teenagers will play on the nearby railway line.

Community group West Kent Extra has been eyeing the station house next to Edenbridge Town station to give youngsters somewhere to socialise.

The town's young people have been without a base since the demolition of Eden Valley School last year to make way for the new community centre.

But town councillors were unconvinced by the idea when they discussed it on Monday.

Councillor John Scholey said: "I'm concerned about the dangers of having young people near an electrical railway line.

"People playing chicken strikes me as a risk. Do we want to take that risk?"

West Kent Extra, part of West Kent Housing, is meeting with county council bosses later this month to discuss possibilities for a youth service in the town.

Managing director Will Campbell-Wroe said he understood concerns about it being close to the tracks but said there was no direct access to them.

He added: "We're looking at either the station house or the community centre. Both would probably be ready around the same time and each has pros and cons."

Two teenagers told the Courier were divided on the issue. Charlotte Webby, 17, said: "I think the community centre would be best because it'll be new.

"I still think we'd be fine by the train station. We're not that stupid to go on the train line."

Kathryn Wilson-Hayes, 17, said: "Both places would be good but the place at the station would be just for us. It wouldn't be like that at the community centre."

The station house, owned by rail operator Southern and Network Rail, has not been used for many years and would cost between £30,000 and £50,000 to get running.

This sum was described by town council chairman Clive Pearman as "a small fortune".

The town council still hopes the county council will fund a youth service in Edenbridge but all such services across Kent are being reviewed.

Current proposals would mean Edenbridge youths having to travel to Swanley for council-supported services.

Mr Pearman said the charity had agreed a £25,000 funding arrangement with Kent County Council but needed to get more money together before the end of March.