CHILDREN have been left devastated by the sudden closure of a youth club which was due to celebrate its 50 year anniversary next year.

The announcement to close the club came after Lancashire County Council officials visited Huncoat Methodist Church, where the club has been held for 17 years and deemed it unsuitable for health and safety reasons.

But leaders of the club claim the Methodist Church carried out a comprehensive inspection of the hall last September which deemed it suitable for various group users, including the Youth Club.

Colin Feeley, club chairman, asked: "If the building was unsuitable, why has it taken Lancashire County Council 17 years to identify any problems?

"Obviously we don't want to put children in danger, but we have only had three minor incidents such as a cut finger in the last 17 years.

"The club has more than 90 members who are now absolutely devastated and left without any youth service provision. In addition, the club's active voluntary management committee have been denied access to the details of the building's unsuitability."

County Councillor Jean Battle confirmed that Lancashire County Council had had to take away its support after an inspection revealed it was not safe under the health and safety act.

She said: "Mr Feeley asked for an inspection of another site for the club, based on Within Grove, because he felt that it was unsafe. So acting on his concerns they went to look at it and agreed.

"It was decided that until work is done to the building it was better to close the club.

"I want to thank Mr Feeley really for highlighting the problem to us which we responded to and has meant that two unsuitable sites are no longer used for the club."

Huncoat Youth Club was originally based at Huncoat Primary School before moving to Highbrake House and then to Huncoat Methodist Hall.

The Hall, in Marshall Avenue, is used by various community groups and pre-planned work is about to begin there on both the church and church hall building.

Dilys Ashton, letting officer, said: "I don't think Lancashire County Council have handled this too well and we have been treated unfairly.

"I am sure though that the work which is to be carried out is bound to cover any areas of concern."

A meeting is being held this evening at Huncoat Methodist Church Hall, at 6.30, for parents of children attending the group and any other concerned residents to discuss the matter.