PLANS to secure the future of a popular multi-use centre as a community-run venue will get a public airing this month.

Local people are to be updated on efforts to transfer the running of Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, from its owners, Hambleton District Council, to the Forum Users Group (FUG), later in the year.

FUG is holding a public meeting at the centre on Thursday, March 15 – and members hope more people will come forward to join the 40-strong list of volunteers willing to help run the facility.

The group has been working with the district council for the last six months on a plan to secure the long-term viability of the Forum at a time of increasing pressures on the authority’s budgets.

It is made up of representatives from groups that use the Forum regularly, as well as volunteers from the community with expertise in vital areas, including business planning and project management.

FUG chairman David Allan said: “We have worked hard to get to a point where our financial forecasts and business plans are robust and can be considered seriously by the council.

"We realise though that the wider public will not be aware of all this work and want to provide a chance for them to come and find out what we have been up to and ask any questions they may have.

"We already have more than 40 people willing to help run the centre in the future – but we need more volunteers if the operation is to be sustainable under community management.

“We urge anyone who can help to get in touch - contributions large or small will be valued."

Councillor Peter Wilkinson, Hambleton’s cabinet member for leisure services, said: “FUG continues to work hard - we have been very impressed by the progress so far.

“I am optimistic that the Forum will transfer to FUG at some point this year – protecting the facility for the future and allowing it to develop as a venue for the benefit of the local community."

Any offers of help should be made through Mark Haynes, at the district council, on 01609-767056 or by emailing mark.haynes@hambleton.gov.uk :: The meeting takes place at 7pm, on March 15. Members of FUG will be present, questions from the public will be welcome and members and officers of the council have been invited to attend.