SPORTING groups are being urged to get together to explore ways of improving facilities for people in their community.

The plea was made after Helmsley Town Council heard that unless action was taken soon, the local sports and social club and pavilion would not survive.

Town councillor Lord Feversham said: "We want to see Helmsley have the best sports facilities which can be afforded. The ball is in the court of the various sports clubs.

"They are going to have to make more of an effort than they have in the past.

"There has got to be a real positive move by the clubs to bring all the parties together. Success depends on the sports clubs organising themselves."

Councillor Peter Silk, a leading official of the sports and swimming club, said there was a need for better changing facilities, in particular for people playing cricket, football, hockey, tennis and bowls.

"If something isn't done in the short-term, the facilities won't survive," he said.

He said that estate agents in Helmsley promoted the sporting facilities as an asset to living in the town and the sports and social club had seen its social membership rise recently from 180 to 357 following a promotion.

Council chairman Ken Claridge, said the results of a feasibility study on sporting facilities in Helmsley, to which the council has given £500, was to be completed.