A VOTE has been called to consider closing a community centre which has served Durham for more than half a century.

Members of Alington House Community Association will decide the future of 4 North Bailey, their home since 1948, at a meeting called for Wednesday, November 21.

The centre is used by a range of groups, including Quakers, dancers and the Open University.

But association leaders say income from room hire is not covering costs and they are short of volunteers.

The decision to call a vote comes after publication of a report on the buildingfs future by an independent consultant.

If members back closure, the building could be shut on December 31.

If they do not vote to shut down, a second vote will be held, asking members whether the future of the grade II-listed building should be decided by outside consultants.

Should they back this option, charity support group the County Durham Foundation would appoint an independent project group to look into the issue.

Members of the group, who would be chosen for their business, management, charity and community association experience, would consider: Keeping the building open; Selling it and using the money to buy a smaller home; Selling and renting part of it back; Selling and using the money to fund the associationfs work in other locations.

Crucially, members would be bound by whatever conclusion the group reached.

Association members were sent a letter outlining the options earlier this week.

The North of England Civic Trust, which aims to preserve historic buildings, and Durham Universityfs St Chadfs College, which is based nearby, are named as interested parties.

Directors of Alington House Community Association declined to comment publicly, but confirmed an extraordinary meeting has been called.

Patty OfBoyle, who has applied to become secretary of the association, said some members are unhappy at the prospect of its future being decided by an outside group.

Alington House Community Association was founded in 1933.

It bought the North Bailey building in 1951, having rented the premises from the dean and chapter of Durham Cathedral since 1948.

The meeting will begin at 7pm, in Alington House.