A retired priest in charge of a pioneering new youth project aimed at providing a focal point for youngsters in Pinehurst and Penhill has condemned residents who plan to block the scheme.

Annis Fessey believes protesters against the bid for a new youth cafe and credit union in Clive Parade dubbed the Clivey Project have not grasped what her team are trying to achieve.

Residents and shopkeepers in the parade believe the new centre, at the former Prior King chemist, would attract "yobbos" from across the town.

They say young children and the elderly will be afraid to go near the area in the early evenings and they claim businesses will suffer. They have put up posters against the move.

But Mrs Fessey, the former priest in charge of Pinehurst and chaplain of Headlands School who retired earlier this year due to ill health, believes the scheme will reduce the threat of trouble.

She said: "Two years ago we did a survey of residents in Pinehurst and Penhill and the main issue to arise was a lack of resources for young people.

The survey also showed that 85 per cent of young men felt they did not belong to the community.

"We had to come up with a scheme to counteract this and we feel a youth cafe is ideal," said Mrs Fessey. "I'm disappointed some businesses and residents aren't behind us."

The scheme for which the planning application was lodged yesterday is being headed by a management group chaired by Mrs Fessey and set up by the Pinehurst Initiative Forum.

It already has £38,000 from the Church Urban Fund, £10,000 from Swindon Borough Council and £10,000 from Lloyds TSB. A lottery bid for several hundred thousand pounds has also been lodged.

The credit union would open during the daytime and the cafe would open from 5pm until 7pm. The aim is to open by Easter.

But it will not go ahead if the protesters have their way.

Penny Stimson, owner of Aladdin's Cave in the parade, said: "It's a super idea but this is not the place for it. I'm worried because a lot of old people would be scared to come out."

Billy Rowe, owner of Stratton Shoe Repairs next door, said: "I think it would attract yobbos from all over Swindon."

Mum of three Helen McGregor, 28, from Cricklade Road, said: "It will cause more riots at the shops with teenagers and drug dealers gathering. I wouldn't want my daughter going there."