A NON-ALCOHOLIC bar designed to get young people off the streets in Darlington has closed.

The Bondgate Methodist Church council announced yesterday that it is closing Wesley's, a youth project based in the church hall, in Bondgate.

Officials say the project has faced depleting financial support for some time, and the executive committee has faced difficulties in maintaining the level of activity requiring paid staff.

The result is that the two remaining staff members have been made redundant and the programme of Wesley's activities has ceased.

The Reverend Piers Lane, chairman of the Wesley's executive committee, said: "It is very difficult to bring something to a close that has offered such a lot to the young people of our town over the last three years. Yet, we feel hopeful that something new can grow out of its ashes. We would like to thank all who have worked hard at Wesley's, especially paying tribute to our staff and volunteers."

Wesley's was set up in 1997 with a vision to offer "a positive alternative to the young people of Darlington".

It has offered a programme of dance nights, clubs and other activities in an alcohol-free environment.

The closure will come as a surprise to many, because in August this year the council moved to quash rumours that Wesley's had shut down for good.

The project was closed for six weeks while the bar and the programme of activities underwent a revamp.

Television cameras covered the re-opening of the project in October, but hopes of offering youngsters more than just a place to dance have been shattered by yesterday's announcement.

The Reverend Alan Coates, Minister of Bondgate Methodist Church, said he had been left saddened by the closure.

But he is now calling on other churches in Darlington to join together to come up with ideas for other youth projects in the town.

Private bookings made at Wesley's for January will still proceed, but anyone wanting more programme information should contact the manager, Will Smith, on (01325) 267215