MEMBERS of a small sports club are desperately searching for new premises after a hefty rise in rent left them snookered.

The Northallerton snooker and billiards club, which was established in 1924, now faces an uncertain future after its rent in the town's Central Arcade was raised from £1,300 to £6,000-a-year.

Unable to pay the fee, Alverton Snooker Club has until August to find a new home for its full-sized table and 30-plus members.

The dramatic increase has been made by Barkers, which purchased the properties in the Arcade in 1998.

Owner Charles Barker said: "The club's rent has not been increased for a considerable number of years and it has simply been brought into line with what it should be.

"Northallerton is a growing town and we are looking at doing a lot of work in the Arcade. We have got an architect working on it at the moment."

The news came as a big shock to the snooker club's members, who are concerned they will not find a suitable premise to move into.

Assistant secretary Stephen Gorman has been involved with the club for more than ten years and feels let down by its landlord.

"At the time Barkers purchased the properties, they told us that our tenancy was safe and they weren't looking to change things. Now the rent has gone up to a figure we can't afford.

"We have a limited membership and the majority is made up of pensioners who only pay a £10 subscription charge."

The club has been situated on the upper level of the Arcade since 1988 and during the past seven years has raised more than £9,000 for charities and local schools.

Mr Gorman said: "It is more than a club, it is a place for our retired members to meet old friends and to feel a part of something special, as well as having a friendly game of snooker or billiards."

The club is looking for two rooms, one measuring at least 30ft by 20ft to accommodate the snooker table. Anyone who can help is asked to call Mr Gorman on (01609) 772058.