HUNDREDS of children and teenagers in Great Ayton could lose their only youth club if parents are unable to find a new venue following redevelopment of the Methodist hall.

Parents who volunteer at the club have called for a purpose-built community centre to serve the village. Their worries come as the results of a community centre questionnaire are to be announced at the parish council on Tuesday.

It is being conducted by Hambleton council which says there has been a strong response.

The Methodist church plans to divide the hall into smaller spaces for church activities. It has kept youth club leaders aware of its long-term plans and has supported calls for a new community centre.

The youth club has 240 members; an average of 120 members turn up each Friday. Parents launched it after becoming frustrated with a lack of informal activities for teenagers.

Youth club leader Jackie Walker has spoken to Methodist property chairman Richard Stainsby and written to Hambleton council about the need for a community centre.

She said: "The needs of Great Ayton have been greatly increased by the amount of new building developments, none more so than the needs of youngsters. A new hall should provide amenities for all."

The club was extremely grateful for the Methodist hall, but the building was not ideal for modern needs, partly because it was not sound-proofed and had little storage space.

Mr Stainsby believes the club has a crucial role in village life and said: "I hope to discuss this issue with parish Couns John Fletcher and Ron Kirk. Mrs Walker has put the case for a new hall and pointed out some of the difficulties with the Methodist hall. She makes some good points and her thoughts about a community centre deserve wider consideration."

Last year, at a parish council meeting, he called for a new community centre. "I don't think a sports hall-type building would affect existing halls in Great Ayton. That argument is a red herring. It would be a different sort of building," he said.

Mrs Walker filmed a video featuring youth club members and older teenagers speaking about their needs.

"I was greatly impressed by their enthusiasm but also saddened by their pessimism. One lad, John Russell, said nobody would do anything to help us and said a community centre would never happen."

She sent the video to Hambleton council and invited leisure officer Dave Goodwin for talks. He was at the parish council meeting last year and will return on Tuesday.

Hambleton council has a number of community centre options, but a scheme can only proceed if there is enough support. Mr Goodwin said he would give the questionnaire results to the parish council.

"There was a good take-up of questionnaires and people asked for extra copies. If people in Great Ayton believe existing halls are OK, then the parish council and Hambleton council will have to accept that."

Groups such as the WI and Freemasons have said they are happy with their halls, but others, such as the scouts, believe there is an urgent need for a purpose-built centre.