THE fate of a threatened community centre could be known next week.

The popular centre in Middleton St George is on the verge of closure because of a serious cash shortage.

Darlington Borough Council recently withdrew a £4,500 grant, which has left the community association facing a financial crisis.

A meeting last Wednesday night was told that the future of the centre could rest with Middleton St George parish council, which is being urged to contribute more towards the running costs.

Community association chairman Coun Mike Latte, said the parish council meeting scheduled for next Monday would be crucial.

"We are waiting for them to either agree or not agree now, so it's fingers crossed," he said.

"I hope they can agree to it. We are down to about £1,500 in the account and if it doesn't happen, we'll have to spend that money on plywood and board the place up."

Potential sources of Lottery funding are being explored, but officials are not confident that such a project would be successful.