The search is on for a suitable building or vacant lot on which to create a Community House for Skipton.

The House would bring together most of the town's volunteer agencies under one roof, reducing costs for all its tenants and providing a focal point for their clients and users.

The project has received the support of several voluntary organisations throughout Craven, and Skipton Town Council discussed how the new service could benefit people in the area.

It is the brainchild of Craven Voluntary Action, based on Coach Street, who have been impressed with similar schemes in other towns, particularly Harrogate.

Co-ordinator Jacqui Baines said: "We are at the stage where we desperately need premises. We have support from every quarter.

"We have got about 12 agencies interested already, including SCAD, the Samaritans and Age Concern.

"Harrogate made an amazing success out of theirs and we could do the same in Skipton. Once word gets out that we are planning this more agencies will hopefully come on board."

A firm of planners and architects is currently putting together a feasibility study into the idea of a Community House for Skipton to ease fund raising efforts.

Two volunteer workers at Craven Voluntary Action, Janet Sanderson and Eric Schmul, are devoting themselves to the project, helping with the feasibility study and administration.

Skipton councillor Paul Greaves is a member of the public relations and tourism committee which discussed the plans.

He said: "In my term as mayor I came across Skipton's many volunteers and the hard work they do. I would support such a scheme and maybe the Town Council could help with funding if they apply for grant aid."

Any businesses or individuals who have a building or plot of land which may be suitable for the Craven Community House should contact the CVA on (01756) 701056.

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