VILLAGERS are being urged to turn out in force tonight to support the campaign to save a community centre from closure.

People in Middleton St George were encouraged yesterday to attend a meeting in the centre, aimed at thrashing out its long-term future.

The facility, which is used by about 200 people every week, appeared to be on the verge of closure earlier this year because of a serious cash shortage. Fears were raised following Darlington Borough Council's decision to withdraw annual funding in the region of £4,500.

The authority recently announced that money from its community education fund for village halls was being stopped and channelled into projects for young people instead.

Lower Dinsdale Parish Council has declared its intention to help save the facility and hopes now appear to rest with fellow councillors in Middleton St George.

Lower Dinsdale is raising its community charge next April, meaning that a Band D council tax bill will increase from about £2 to just over £3 a year.

Local community association chairman Councillor Mike Latter said Middleton St George Parish Council's support would now be crucial.

"Lower Dinsdale have agreed and it is now dependent on Middleton St George going along with it," he said.

"It is down to Middleton St George - if they say yes, we can go ahead, but if they say no, we board the place up. Whether they are going to do anything I don't know."

Coun Latter had been leading the calls for Lower Dinsdale and Middleton St George parish councils to increase the parish precept in next year's community charge to help the campaign.

The centre hosts meetings various community groups on five nights of the week and other members of the association had been exploring potential options for funding.

Anyone interested in joining the management committee to help save the community centre is invited to attend tonight's meeting, which starts at 7pm.