A sports hall with viewing allery, moveable theatre and medical suite could be created in Cowling in a state-of-the-art community centre.

Proposals have been put forward to demolish the old Royds Mill building off Keighley Road and replace it with a two-storey building accessible at both levels.

The upper ground floor, level with the pavement, would include a computer suite with Internet facilities, caf and library twice the size of Cowling's existing one. A medical suite with consulting room and waiting area is also earmarked for this floor.

The project steering group, chaired by North Yorkshire Councillor Irene Greaves, is in negotiation with the local Primary Care Group over health professionals providing a part-time service.

Cowling-based architect Paul Foxley, and Richard Pearson, of James Hartley & Son, in Skipton have drawn up the plans. They were displayed two weeks ago at the village gala and can also be seen at a public meeting on August 21, in St Andrew's Church Hall, 7.30pm.

The project group has made several funding applications for the centre, thought to cost at least £500,000.

A Lottery bid will be submitted when an application for planning permission has been made.