A SUMMER play scheme for Otley children is in danger of being cancelled if essential building work isn't completed in time.

It is claimed that repeated delays in the renovation of the building by Leeds City Council means the centre is still not ready.

All Saints Out of School Club organiser Cath Speight said: "The problem is, the builders don't have to stay, so they keep going off on other jobs.

"The staff and disabled toilets still aren't done and the kitchen isn't finished.

If the work isn't completed by July 28 we won't be able to run the summer play scheme.

"If the building can't be passed by government inspectors from OFSTED as safe and suitable, we will lose the funding for the scheme.

"The building we are using at the moment isn't fit to hold a play scheme in."

The after-school club is currently held in the annexe of the former All Saints Junior School.

But vandals and burglars have forced staff to board up the windows and doors turning the building into a virtual prison.

Mrs Speight said: "It really isn't a nice environment for staff or children.

"We have to check the playground every day for glass before the children can play out.

"I have to pack up anything of value each night, load it into my car then bring it all back the next day. The children keep asking me if the burglars will come and take their toys."

The new premises at Cross Green will be fitted with a burglar alarm.

The club will have its own room plus use of the whole building.

And if the club receives a grant from the Otley and Wharfedale Community Involvement Team (CIT) then the children will get a pool table and table tennis table.

Mrs Speight said: "We were all really looking forward to moving in at Easter. The children were very excited about it.

"Now it looks as if it may not be until the end of June."

The summer play scheme is planned to start on July 28 and run until August 15.

Once the premises are ready the club will offer childcare for the October half-term holiday and other school holidays throughout 2003 and 2004.

The staff and the club policies and procedures have all been passed by OFSTED so only the assessment of the premises is required.

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: "Building work to enable the relocation to take place, is due to be finished later this week. The club will be able to move in to the building once approval is received from Ofsted inspectors. Regrettably unforeseen circumstances has meant this work has taken slightly longer than expected."

l The ASOOSC summer play scheme is open to all children in Otley.

It will run from July 28 until August 15 from 8am until 6pm each day. The cost is £15 per day. There are 32 places available.

l A registration evening for parents requiring places on the scheme will be held on July 2 at 6.30pm at the Cross Green centre. For more details contact Cath Speight on 01943 462137.