A MOORLAND village could lose one of its few meeting halls unless funds can be raised to buy it and develop it for community use.

Castleton Royal British Legion Hall is to close but councillors hope it can be bought for use as a youth club or community centre.

Speaking at a Danby Group Parish Council meeting on Wednesday night, chairman Coun Herbert Tindall, who is a legion member, announced the closure news.

"The members have decided they cannot afford to keep the building. They'll write to the British Legion headquarters recommending disposal.

"At the moment, two people use the snooker room and we hold our meetings there. But it's damn cold. It needs re-roofing and electric fires.

"The structure is basically a shell, so it wouldn't need gutting for refurbishment. But at the moment, it's causing us more problems than it's worth.

"However, if you know of any person or group interested in it, then let us know," he emphasised.

Coun Geoff Banner, of Commondale, said: "What about using it for a youth club? Are any funds available from Scarborough Council?"

Coun Tindall said there were, plus county council and lottery grants.

"It's a pity to have a building like that unavailable for children," he added.

"It could be converted into a community centre," suggested Coun Linda Grout of Castleton.

Coun Graeme Thompson, also of Castleton, remarked: "There is an awful lot of teenagers walking the streets at night. I'd be willing to help out a couple of nights, if they would let lads and lasses meet there in the winter. I'm sure other people would do the same."

Some councillors feared the hall would be snapped up for a private home if it was advertised on the property market.

Coun Rita Rudsdale suggested: "Ask the legion to give us a short period of time. That would allow us to see if it could used for young people. If we're unable to do so, then it can go on the market."

She also pointed out that the parish rooms could be better used.

But Coun Ian Dodsworth of Danby thought the legion hall was not ideal for housing because of its bank top position and lack of vehicular access.

Coun Les Underwood, also of Danby, recalled playing snooker there as a boy and thought youngsters could use it again.

Information would be sought from various authorities and discussed at next month's meeting