A former betting shop can be turned into an amusement arcade for a one-year trial period, councillors have ruled.

Planning officers had urged councillors to refuse permission for the new business at 92 Ham Road, East Worthing.

The borough council's community safety officer said she was concerned about the arcade's proximity to a school and said it should be used by over-18s only.

This would avoid increased truancy, the fear of crime with young people congregating and the risks of them becoming involved in drug addiction.

Two people objected to the change of use.

One stated: "The area is known for its delinquent crime and an adjoining business has suffered as a result of an arson attack at the end of 2001.

"With the large number of children loitering in Ham Road, clients and employees of an adjoining insurance office are likely to experience a degree of intimidation, aggravating an already worsening situation."

Planning officers pointed out that the shop had been vacant for two years but warned that any arcade should not be open in the evening for fear of disturbing people living nearby.