AN UPSTANDING member of the community is being sought to pilot the drive for a new Bramhope youth centre.

Frustrated members of Bramhope Youth Development Trust have been trying for more than a year to give away thousands of pounds to a scheme they feel will benefit young people in the village.

But despite repeated appeals, no village group came up with a large-scale project.

Now Bramhope YDT has met with other village organisations, including Bramhope Primary School, to set up a steering group - but it is seeking a leader.

The trust was set up with £200,000 from Leeds City Council's sale of the village youth club. A number of grants have been made to smaller projects for young people, but the trust has been anxious to give them a place to meet.

Chairman Geoff Mills said: "The four groups would like to find a leader. They need someone with the right experience to help us open doors , lobby local authorities, lobby businesses and try to get the project from its early stages into reality. We want to stop talking and try to get some action."

He warned that a project such as a youth centre would involve many challenges, such as finding a suitable site for any new building, and said the plan could take several years to come to fruition.

The trust said all young people in Bramhope should be asked what facilities they would like to have before any plans are drawn up - but suggestions so far have included a sports hall, outdoor all-weather sports pitches, meeting rooms, IT facilities and a library.

Mr Mills said the management of a youth centre was another issue, but said most young people would prefer an informal meeting place to organised youth club sessions. He also suggested that any new meeting place should be of benefit to the whole community.

Residents and parish councillors who attended last week's Bramhope YDT annual general meeting were concerned that despite enthusiasm for youth facilities within the village, few people had turned up.

And a number of villagers are concerned about young people gathering on the village streets. There have been complaints about vandalism - particularly at The Knoll children's playground - and fears for the safety of young skateboarders playing on roads.

Bramhope YDT is about to launch a website to generate greater interest in the bid for village youth facilities.

l Councillor Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) is to join the board of trustees.