THE future of Skipton's Royal Air Forces Association branch is in doubt as it waits to find out whether the land under its clubhouse will be used for affordable homes.

The branch has been based on Moorview Way for more than half a century.

Now it wishes to sign another 21-year lease, but the land on which the branch's headquarters stands has been highlighted by Craven District Council as a possible site for affordable houses.

Wings organiser Arlene Dowson, whose husband Harry is chairman of the branch, explained that it had been offered a five-year lease at a rate of £1,000 a year - compared with a modest £7.50 per annum previously.

She told the Herald: "We have been told not to sign it."

Now the branch is waiting until the matter can be looked at again by the council's performance and resources committee and is praying it will decide to scrap the idea for development and give RAFA another 21-year lease.

Mrs Dowson explained relocating to another base would effectively bring about the demise of the branch. "It would be tragic," she told the Herald.

Mrs Dowson said she knew there was a demand for affordable housing for young people, but added the branch's clubhouse was well used and well maintained.

Ward councillor Mick Hill has received 19 letters of objection and a 107-name petition, organised by the RAFA club.

He said there were 1,100 homes in his ward and with so many houses he did not want to lose the RAFA club.

"Although affordable housing is a very political word, you can't keep building houses and not give anybody any sort of community building.," he added.