MANAGEMENT at a hugely popular non-alcoholic bar for youngsters this week moved to quash rumours that it has closed down.

Wesley's, in Darlington, opened in June 1997 as a way of helping young people to get off the streets and away from the lure of drink, drugs and glue-sniffing.

Based in the under-used hall at Bondgate Methodist Church, in Salt Yard, Bondgate, it has become a major operation in the town, running a varied programme for youngsters, including discos and events for disabled children.

But since the club closed its doors two weeks ago, rumours have been rife that Wesley's is no more.

However, the youngsters who use the bar, and their parents, who appreciate the non-alcoholic, supervised environment, can breathe a sigh of relief.

Manager Will Smith said the truth is that the committee is spending six weeks working on a revamp of the bar and the programme it provides, and it will reopen at the beginning of October with a new look.

He said: "We are closed for six weeks because we are formulating a new programme and revamping. There are all sorts of rumours going around. Some people have said there has been a fire and all sorts."

The rejuvenation of Wesley's will look at the bar's original aims when the Methodist church set it up in the 400 capacity hall.

"It was a non-alcoholic bar, set up to provide a place for young people, getting them off the streets, away from drugs, alcohol and glue-sniffing, and things like that," said Mr Smith.

One possibility being considered in the revamp is to provide something for the students, who flock towards the town centre area from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Vane Terrace, and Darlington College of Technology, in Cleveland Avenue, searching for somewhere to provide a cheap lunch and drink.

The bar's management committee is planning to re-open Wesley's on Monday, October 2