by Gareth Davies

gareth.davies@essnmedia.co.uk

Two churches have found themselves in competition over plans to create a centre to help young people in New Addington after it emerged they both want the same site.

The Bethel Prayer Centre is competing with the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries for the unit in the Meridian Centre, Vulcan Way.

Both have applied for planning permission and want to create a place of worship as well as offer counselling services to young and old.

Ade Adebanjo, who attends Mountain of Fire Services in Coombe Road, South Croydon, is helping his church with its application.

He said: "We want to help people in New Addington to be self efficient to make good their lives, especially the young."

"We want to empower people, to give practical advice to the young on vital, every day activities."

The former council officer believes young people in Croydon lack guidance on getting jobs, making the best of their education and looking after themselves.

This message is shared by members of the Bethel but Reverend Mark Sharpe believes his church is better placed to achieve this goal.

He told the Advertiser: "I believe they are a bigger group than ours."

"I do not know what they are like in terms of their action within the community but I have worked here for six years.

"I do not think this group really knows the area and its needs. I am well known by the people here, they recognise me on the street and they understand the work I have done."

Mr Adebanjo hit back at the criticism and said: "We have members who travel from New Addington to come to services and have a great deal of experience of the area."

Rev Sharpe and around 120 members of his evangelical church currently hold services on Sundays at Addington High School, having previously used Addington Community Association's hall.

They hope the unit on Vulcan Way will become a home until a permanent centre can be built.

A decision date of February 13 has been set for the Bethel's scheme and March 18 for Mountain of Fire's scheme, but the council will grant permission to both churches if they meet planning regulations.

It will then come down to the building's owner, Mr Butterfield, to decide who can open the centre there. The Advertiser attempted to contact Mr Butterfield, but he was not available for comment.