THE destiny of a Dales community centre could hinge on a vote in the council chamber, in Richmond, tomorrow.

The Middleham Key Centre went through a difficult introduction. There was controversy first over funding for the building, and then over the construction, with the town council locked in legal debate with the trustees about a disputed wall.

Last year, Richmondshire District Council had to step in with a £35,000 grant to keep the centre afloat, and the authority decides tomorrow if it will continue to invest in the facilities.

However, trustees have put together a business plan which they hope will convince the council that the centre's fortunes have turned the corner.

The document outlines the successes of the last year, which they claim have seen the building become a hub for the community.

"There has been a 30 per cent increase in community use at the Middleham Key Centre within the past 12 months," said the chairman of the trustees, Nancy Murgatroyd.

"Courses are now available under the College of the Dale umbrella, with our computers upgraded to the most modern standards by Craven College, while the Northern Racing College uses the IT suite for keyboard training."

A craft market and farmers' market were held at the centre before the foot-and-mouth epidemic took hold, with the focus switching to antiques fairs.

Dales Care also uses the building to host lunches for the over-65s, while the nursery has also grown in size.

The centre applied successfully for a licence to stage weddings, with plans next year for events to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Richard III.

Mrs Murgatroyd said: "I cannot imagine what the town would be like if the centre were to close now. It would leave a huge hole, but we cannot take anything for granted.

"Foot and-mouth disease has had a massive impact, and we accept there will be many demands on the council's budget for some time to come.

"However, the Key Centre can play a part in the regeneration process.

"We hope, with the events and projects we have planned, we can help to encourage people back to the area," she said.