THE future of a popular community centre could be altered forever as a cash-strapped authority attempts to make savings in its budget.

The Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, has been a success for more than 30 years, and has been in regular use by local organisations since it opened in 1975.

But it is owned and run by Hambleton District Council, which is currently seeking to make budget cuts.

And, although the authority wants to see the Forum and the services it offers retained, it is now looking at whether it could be transferred to, and run by a community-led body.

The move would save the authority £40,000 a year and a series of consultation events is to take place throughout July to establish how the community sees the centre’s future.

The Forum User Group (FUG) is made up of representatives of the 16 regular users of the centre - theatre societies, fitness classes and local clubs - and is now working with the council to examine the concept.

Initial work has seen FUG visit successful examples of community-run facilities - including the Galtres Centre in Easingwold, Thirsk Tourist Information, Ritz Cinema in Thirsk, Bedale Hall, Richmond Station and Whitby Coliseum.

“If the centre is to be run by a community organisation it needs the support and backing of the people who will be using it," said group member David Allan.

“It is too early to say what options will emerge and whether they will be financially viable, but it is clear the Forum needs community support. Initial work with the Forum users has however been very encouraging.“ A range of skills will also be required to help set up and operate the new organisation- and those interested are urged to attend one of the consultation events.

The consultation roadshow visits: July 10 Northallerton Carnival; July 20 Northallerton Town Square from 10am - 1pm and Hambleton Forum from 2 - 7pm; July 21 Hambleton Forum from 3pm - 6pm.on July 21 from 6,30pm.

A public meeting will be held in the Forum on July 21 from 6.30pm.

The consultation survey will also be available on line at hambleton.gov.uk from July 7 until August 13.