CALLS for a new role to be found for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre at Clapham have been made by a watchdog.

The centre, in The Old Manor House, was set up about 40 years ago, and is due to close at the end of this year because of declining visitor numbers.

In addition, the park authority's best value report concluded that its cost could no longer be justified.

Colin Speakman, secretary of the Yorkshire Dales Society, called for a new use for the centre in a partnership with the community.

"Let's hope some practical ideas can be progressed soon before this lovely old building is sold by the National Park Authority to become yet another weekend cottage," said Mr Speakman, writing in The Dales Review.