A ROW has broken out about the use of a popular community hub amid claims a line dancing group has been "edged out".

The Robert Atkinson Centre, in Thornaby, Stockton, is home to a community hall, gym and fields enjoyed by junior football teams.

But town councillors have aired their confusion over fees and grass upkeep. At the latest Thornaby Town Council meeting, Cllr Glenn Eastick said: “This Robert Atkinson has a lot of clubs and a lot of activities going on and we don’t get much back. They’re putting prices up and it’s supposed to be a charity.”

Later, he added: “They’re only mowing half the grass and marking out one pitch – but still charging us the same money."

A number of bodies and group share the site on Thorntree Road. Charity group Catalyst Stockton launched a project in 2012 to help Stockton Council to reduce the cost of community services while keeping community centres. The Onsite Building Trust charity was formed as a result to run several community centres in the borough , including the Robert Atkinson Centre.

Town council chairman Cllr Steve Walmsley was confused about the charities – and he had concerns about a line dancing group leaving the site.

He said: “It’s asking these organisations to explain themselves because they’re just taking everybody’s eyes out. One lot who have been there for years and years dancing have been edged out just so they can make more money – that’s not what it should be about. They’ve gone down the cricket club now.”

Steve Rose, chief executive of Catalyst Stockton and chairman of Onsite Building Trust, said: “Catalyst has no operational responsibility for the running of the Robert Atkinson Centre. The Robert Atkinson Centre is run by the Onsite Building Trust who are always open and with organisations in the community and welcome suggestions which come in about the use of the premises.

“I am sure everyone in Thornaby will appreciate these buildings do not run themselves and that charges have to be made – we believe that they are affordable for everybody.”

In the meantime, Cllr Ray Godwin wanted a meeting of everyone involved at the site – including charities, its users, Stockton Council, schools. the town council and “key players” in Thornaby youth services to make it a “centre of excellence”.