Protesters fear a new amusement arcade in a parade of shops could become a haunt for drug dealers and soliciting homosexuals.

Councillors at Worthing were today considering plans to turn a takeaway in Goring Road, opposite Wallace Parade, into an arcade.

The scheme raised 94 objections and one resident said: "Amusement arcades frequently provide opportunities for drug dealing and homosexual soliciting."

There were also fears about noise, vandalism and graffiti.

The area already suffers serious problems from gangs of youths playing ball games, and riding bikes, scooters and skateboards.

Police said they had concerns but would agree to a one-year trial period if only over-21s were allowed in.

Council environment boss Haydn Smith warned about the potential noise nuisance and councillors were urged to refuse the application.