NEW members of a village hall association could be asked to decide its future use as a large general store.

The surprise plan was unveiled at Middleton St George Community Centre Association's annual meeting. An enthusiastic fresh regime is trying to keep the controversial hall afloat until a £3m community primary school is built.

The previous trustees wanted to sell the debt-ridden building to developers for housing and give the money to the school.

The offer to buy the centre - once the school hall is up and running - was floated by Andy Hill, who runs the Londis newsagent and post office on the congested village square.

He wants to give the rapidly-expanding population more essentials, including a butchery and bakery department, disabled access and easy parking.

His plans include CCTV cameras outside to deter drug taking and vandalism in the adjoining water park, a caf, public toilets and landscaped gardens.

He told the D&S Times: "It just makes sense, what with the problems we have in the square and the squabbles about this place. It is better to preserve the building and transfer the business here."

Coun Doris Jones said: "I think it is a brilliant idea. It would fit in perfectly with plans to improve the water park and turn it into a village park."

Any profits could go on additional facilities at the school, the recreation area or the water park.

Residents are being urged to take over ownership of the hall by joining the association. A £5 annual fee has been agreed and they could qualify for discounts at future events.

The first cost-cutting measure, agreed at the suggestion of the new chairman, Martin Walker, was to dispense with a caretaker and use the newly-elected management committee to do the work. That would save about £1,350.

Ideas for fundraising came thick and fast, including regular discos for youngsters, ceilidhs and barn dances, an illustrated talk on Everest and the kingdom of Nepal, Saturday coffee mornings with books, plants and cake stalls, raffles, table top sales, a sponsored Sunday walk in May and a summer garden party.

"The building is owned by the membership," said Mr Walker. "They might want to sell it for flats and, if not, they might have to take on the liability and see it through.

"That is why we need to update the list of people who are members and get their approval or otherwise."

Kimberley Oliver was elected secretary and Rachel Walton, treasurer. The next meeting is on April 9 at 7pm