THE future of a community association that provides leisure and learning for more than 1,000 people a week is under threat, after a council confirmed it wanted to “dispose” of its base.

Leaders of the Durham Gilesgate Youth and Community Association (GYCA) fear for the organisation’s survival following the closure last week (Thursday, March 26) of Durham Free School, which shared its site on Bradford Crescent, in Gilesgate, Durham City.

The large site, which includes playing fields and school buildings, belongs to Durham County Council as it was formerly home to Durham Gilesgate Sports College – which the council itself closed amid falling rolls and budget cuts in summer 2013.

Given its prime site just a mile from the city centre, it is widely thought the land will be sold for housing.

GYCA leaders say they have persistently tried to discuss the situation with the council, but received no contact until a recent telephone call during which Ann Ferguson, the centre manager, claims a council officer told her to advise groups using the centre to look elsewhere.

Mrs Ferguson said: “It’s absolutely appalling. Who are they investing in? Certainly not the people here.

“This centre is so important to the community. We’ve got elderly people coming here, keep fit groups, children from the estate – they’re all devastated at the thought of it closing.”

The association has been on Bradford Crescent for more than 30 years and is used by about 1,100 people a week, for activities ranging from football to photography. This week, scores of children are taking part in an Easter sports camp.

The site boasts a synthetic sports pitch, grass pitches, tennis courts, sports halls and more.

The association was established by the council and received funding from the authority until 2012, when the support was withdrawn and the association, a registered charity, was forced to become self-financing.

Secretary Janet Tayler said its closure would have a massive impact.

“It’s frustrating that no-one will get round a table with us and talk about what’s going to happen,” she added.

Association leaders want the council to hand over management of the facilities to them.

But Stuart Timmiss, the council’s head of planning and assets, said: “We are in discussions with the users of the building to ensure all future needs are understood and will work with the group to help them find a suitable, alternative location.

“We are currently assessing the site to understand the necessary permissions required to allow us to dispose of it.”