A FINANCIAL crisis has cast doubt on the future of a North Yorkshire sports centre.

Community leaders will hold emergency talks next week after it emerged that Colburn Health and Recreation Centre has run into difficulties.

The centre is run and managed by a volunteer board of directors, Colburn Community Partnership Limited.

Colin Dales, Richmondshire District Council's assistant director, said: "The council has been approached in the last 48 hours by the Colburn Community Partnership.

"The approach was in the form of a request for financial assistance after it became clear that the centre's future was in doubt due to financial problems.

"Council officers have met with members of the partnership to discuss the issue.

"As a result of these discussions, I will be submitting an urgent report to the council on July 24 recommending temporary financial assistance."

The partnership has not released details of the scale of the financial crisis.

It is understood the majority of the centre's funding comes from Colburn Town Council, which has no plans to withdraw its support.

Partnership chairwoman Angela Sanders said in a statement: "I do not wish to pre-empt the discussions of the full council on Tuesday, but suffice to say we are acting in a proactive manner to safeguard the future of this very valuable facility, which was provided by the community, for the community.

"We are very hopeful for the support of members and eagerly anticipate the outcome of their debate."

The centre was built in 2002 with Lottery money from Sport England.

The venue has a sports hall, gym, outdoor football pitches and youth cafe. Earlier this year, police reported that incidents involving youths were down because of the cafe.

Classes for adults are run at the centre and activities for children are due to take place during the summer holidays.

The request for financial assistance will be discussed at a district council meeting at Swale House, Richmond, at 6.30pm.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.