PLANS for an amusement arcade in Huntingdon s market square could be back on the agenda. The company behind the scheme has launched an appeal after its proposals were refused a change of use by Huntingdonshire District Council. HDC rejected the plan to si

PLANS for an amusement arcade in Huntingdon's market square could be back on the agenda.

The company behind the scheme has launched an appeal after its proposals were refused a change of use by Huntingdonshire District Council.

HDC rejected the plan to site an amusement arcade in a former bank at 6 Market Hill, in May.

The company seeking to open the arcade, Carey Leisure, said from the start that if it was refused change of use, it would appeal.

Carey Leisure had already acquired the lease on the building. The company currently owns seven arcades, including outlets in St Neots, Stamford and Kettering.

A spokesman for the company said on Monday that the application was the same as the original. "We want to carry on with the plan and that is why we are bringing the appeal."

Concern at proposed arcade was raised in January by the Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership, Huntingdon and Godmanchester Civic Society and individual business people in the town.

The town council objected to the plan in January after the then town clerk, Mike Kennedy described it as "alien to the town".

District councillor, Jeff Dutton, who was Huntingdon mayor at the time, said on Monday that he had no problem with an amusement arcade as such but not in a listed building. "It is wrong to put it right in the heart of town."

Cllr Helen Mallett, another former Mayor, added: "This is totally out of order to want to put an amusement arcade in such a prime position. It will attract anti-social behaviour."

The appeal is on the agenda for the meeting of Huntingdon Town Council, tomorrow (Thursday). It will then go on to be heard by a Government inspector.