PLANS to allow the community to use a school's sports facilities may be abandoned.

St Francis Xavier School, in Richmond, has offered the district council use of its new sports hall.

The school wants £150,000 towards the cost of the building in return. However, council officers say the facilities are not needed.

A decision on whether to grant funding was due to be made on Tuesday, but councillors asked to consult colleagues in charge of the budget. A report on the need for extra indoor sports provision will also be made.

Community committee chairwoman Councillor Yvonne Peacock said: "Committee members felt the issue of providing further community sports facilities needed more investigation.

"The affordability of additional facilities must be measured against the local need before a final decision on a funding contribution to the school can be made."

The school is offering use of its new sports hall and fitness suite between 7am and 4pm for the equivalent of two days a week during term time.

Richmondshire District Council has already pledged £150,000 to Richmond School and Wensleydale School, in Leyburn, for use of sports facilities on their sites.

It will also contribute £450,000 towards a new sports centre in Catterick Garrison.

The £15m facility is due to open in December 2007.

In a report to councillors, the council's deputy chief executive, Tony Clark, said: "If the council were to purchase daytime access (at St Francis Xavier) via the Richmondshire Leisure Trust, supply of daytime sporting facilities in Richmond would increase to levels greater than before the closure of Richmond Sports Centre, and such provisions would be in close, direct competition.

"Following the construction of the Garrison Sports Complex, daytime provision would also potentially outstrip demand in the Richmond and Catterick Garrison catchment area."

However, Richmond councillor Linda Curran said: "The people of Richmond should get the best possible facilities.

"If these are available at St Francis Xavier School then that is where the council should be looking."

The community committee will visit Richmond and the school before a decision is made