A MUCH-LOVED sports and social club destroyed by arsonists will rise again better than it was before.

Around 40 residents of Otley's Weston Estate heard this week that work on The Pavilion could start before the end of the year.

And at Tuesday's meeting at the Weston Lane Sports and Social Club, they heard plans for the new building were for a return to the golden days of the club, 40 years ago.

The Mayor, Councillor Phil Coyne, added he would press for a fence surrounding The Green and for the field to be properly drained.

Residents also heard Betty Bevan, from Otley Tenants Association, say young people would like a cycle track around the perimeter.

Chris Lawson, club chairman, said it would be up to those who lived on the Weston Estate what went on in the new building.

And he added they wanted to see use of the building being used much more extensively than it has been and not just for football players.

"We are going forward by going back 40 years ago," he said.

"As far as other activities there are concerned, I would say yes, but it is up to other people. What we are doing is providing the building that was there before, but in a much better state."

He added he would not like to get drawn into discussions about a cycle track because there would be a lot of people against it.

Permission has been granted by Leeds City Council for the new building which will be in a slightly different position on The Green.

But residents who feared that adults would in the future be able to play football on The Green were reassured by Mr Lawson.

He said although there were plans to put up permanent timber goal posts and to increase the use of The Green, with the laying of a full size junior pitch, and hopes for artificial pitch, there was not the land available for an adult pitch.

"Hopefully, the building will be started before the end of the year.

"Now the biggest worry we have is getting rid of the old one," said Mr Lawson.

Coun Coyne, who chaired the meeting, said he would look into using his Ward Based Initiative Money to pay for improvements to The Green.

He said that would be a fence around The Green to prevent children running into the road and the drainage of the field.

And Sean Flesher, from Leeds City Council's Parks and Countryside division, said it was a good possibility that he would be able to provide fencing for the children's play area.

He said: "I totally agree a fence is needed in front of the play park and hopefully that is something I can help with this winter."

Meanwhile, supporters of the club are being urged to hand over their goods for a fundraising auction.

The auction, which is due to be held on Monday, October 29, will raise money for the rebuilding of The Pavilion.

And now, organisers The Rotary Club of Otley Chevin, are appealing for donations including furniture, bric-a-brac, jewellry and books to sell in the auction.

Rotarian Tony Beck said the auction would be held at Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart and the auctioneer would be Ben Atkinson.

"We're going to get the youngsters involved by going out delivering leaflets to homes. We're looking for donations of absolutely anything," said Mr Beck.

The Pavilion was burned down in an arson attack in November last year.

Following its destruction the Wharfedale Observer-backed Walk On Appeal was launched, which so far has raised £5,500 through donations from local individuals and businesses.

l Anyone wanting to donate items for the auction, which will be held on October 29 from 6pm at Wharfedale Farmers Action Mart, can telephone Chris Lawson on (01943) 462585, George Duncan on (01943) 870431 or Tony Beck on (01943) 462283.