COUNCILLORS and residents in Pontypool are hoping the transformation of a rundown bakery into a badly-needed community centre will help keep youngsters off the streets.

British taekwondo coach Jo Draper, 32, has received the go-ahead from Torfaen council to set up the Community Martial Arts Centre.

Councillor Kathleen Williams, who lives near the proposed site on Windsor Road, Griffithstown, supported Miss Draper's planning application.

She said: "It is certainly better than another takeaway. "It will hopefully give young people something constructive to do. At the moment they just seem to hang about outside cafs." Miss Draper believes she is providing a facility the area has never seen before.

She said: "Although the community has a vibrant shopping area, there are no real recreational facilities.

"This will be a full-time, fully-modified martial arts centre, which any community group can come and use.

"There will be a small gym facility there and I plan to have a crche so parents can bring their children while they train.

"I'm a single mum myself with two daughters so I know how difficult it can be. It will be a real help to me."

Dave Hayward, 30, from St Cadocs, currently trains with Miss Draper along with his two children, Dafydd, seven, and Danielle, five.

"It's a good laugh and Jo really encourages parents to get involved. The best way to allow children to develop is if you have a go yourself," he said. "I know they have a lot of problems with youth annoyance around Windsor Road so hopefully this development will allow them to take their frustrations to a different forum."

Local resident Brian Lovelock said: "There are too many takeaways and not enough good places for youngsters to go.

"They do have a youth club in Griffthstown but there doesn't seem to be much interest in it.

"This will certainly teach them self-respect and hopefully respect for others."

Miss Draper hopes the transformation to modern sports hall will be complete by August.

"The place is in a bad way and will need a new roof and new gas and electric," she added.

She is funding the project herself but is hoping to acquire the support and sponsorship of local businesses.