LEADERS of a community centre which was saved from possible closure are appealing for help in developing it for the future.

The future of Alington House Community Association, which has served Durham since 1933, was thrown into doubt in 2006, when its management revealed it was struggling for volunteers and failing to balance the books.

However, new trustees took over and, by 2009, the centre was covering its day-to-day running costs.

Now Alan Barnett, its newly appointed development worker and co-ordinator, is drawing up plans to establish the centre on a firm long-term footing and expand its work.

Among his ideas is securing English Heritage or Heritage Lottery Fund money to open a small museum in the Grade II-listed hall, placing it on Durham’s heritage trail.

Mr Barnett also wants to launch an outreach programme to recruit more volunteers, attract tradesmen willing to help out with odd jobs, repair Alington House’s stretch of Durham’s city walls, refurbish and upgrade its rooms, repair or replace some of its windows, improve signage to the hall and make other internal improvements.

A community garden could also be created and the centre’s Cobbles Cafe developed further.

Mr Barnett, a community worker of 30 years’ experience, said: "Alington House is a well-loved place and it’s very important it continues, both in terms of its historical heritage and what it can offer to the public.

"It’s a unique place, with the university colleges, the Cathedral and the Castle so close by."

Mr Barnett hopes to establish a ‘community’ to support the hall, which is now among student accommodation.

He said: "A city community association like this struggles without having a community. It needs a different approach.

"But I hear a lot of people saying they have connections with the place. I’m hoping they will re-light their interest and give us a ring."

The hall hosts activities including a regular live music night, courses and interest groups and recently appointed a part-time administrator. Rooms are available to hire.

A summer fair will be held on Saturday, August 20, from 11am to 2pm.

For more information, visit alingtonhouse.org.uk, email: info@alingtonhouse@gmail.com or call 0191-3864088.