THE future of Burley-in-Wharfedale's youth centre will be reviewed at a special meeting later this month.

Representatives from Bradford Council's Youth Service will meet with Burley Community Council members and members of the Burley Youth Forum to discuss youth provision for the new millennium.

Bob Jones, chairman of the youth forum, said it was time to examine the structure of youth activities.

He said government thinking was turning to linking youth and career services.

Mr Jones said the Sun Lane-based centre was only used a couple of nights during the week.

He said questions had to be asked as to whether such a building was needed or not. "You have to ask whether the building can provide the activities and opportunities that young people want and need."

He said it raised the wider issue of buildings usage - or lack of it. Mr Jones said the village had far too many buildings which were not being used to their full potential or were unable to provide the facilities the users wanted.

He said the village schools were able to offer modern aids to young people, such as internet access.

A spokesman for Bradford Council's Youth Service said the meeting was a positive development in the process of providing opportunities and activities for young people.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm from the Burley-in-Wharfedale community, particularly from the young people themselves."

The spokesman said the new millennium was the perfect time to carry out such a review and harness the very positive attitudes within the village on the issue.

A new-look youth service could not only provide young people with activities, it would also be an information point, where they could gather information on issues such as careers.

Mr Jones said: "Maybe the youth club is not attracting kids as it should do. We will discuss the ways forward."

"The Burley Youth Forum will soon be making use of the youth centre as we have booked three fundraising discos there," he said.

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