MEMBERS of a Bromsgrove youth centre are angry at the prospect of having to share gym facilities with adults.

They claim adults are already well provided for in the town, while youngsters have no such facilities in Bromsgrove or indeed the whole of Worcestershire.

The Ryland Centre, in New Road, is facing a £7,000 shortfall in its budget. To get over this problem a plan has been drawn up where an adult club would be formed.

A firm would supply fitness equipment to the new club for free but take 60 per cent of the profits, with the county council, which owns the centre, taking the rest. The company estimates the number of members would be between 200 and 400.

But the Ryland Centre youngsters are opposing any move to share facilities with adults, claiming there could be real safety issues by the admittance of strangers, as well as their sessions being very limited.

District councillor Bill Newnes (Bromsgrove Independent Group-Sidemoor) is keen to see leisure provision for young people expanded in the town and has been involved in the talks.

The contract for the upgrade of gym equipment at the centre is due for renewal.

"The young people, whose ages range from ten to young teens, have done an enormous amount of refurbishment work at the centre and want it to remain as a youth centre.

"It would be a great pity if they were driven away as there is nothing in Bromsgrove to cater for this age range," he said.

Dave Evans, operations officer for north Worcestershire Youthworcs, said: "We are aware of the need to review a contract and we are in the middle of discussions but no decisions have been taken as yet. We are obviously trying to get the best possible use for all people concerned, both young people and the local community."