COWLING'S vision of a state of the art community centre for the village looks to be back in focus after months of apathy.

The dream of the £1.6 million development began two years ago and a project group was formed.

A village appraisal favoured the Royd Mill site, currently up for sale, as the ideal position for the facility which would incorporate a sports hall, computer suite, caf, theatre hall and meeting rooms.

The plans were given the go-ahead by Craven District Council in summer and were this week confirmed by the Secretary of State.

But the project group chaired by county councillor Irene Greaves has become despondent over recent months as enthusiasm for the project waned.

This week, however, new blood seemed to be flowing after 18 residents attended Wednesday's meeting. Mrs Greaves welcomed the new faces and said she hoped the plans could go forward.

"There is a lot of work to be done and it is important that new blood comes in with an enthusiastic approach."

She added that a lecturer in marketing at Bradford University had heard of the project and had offered his services free of charge.

The group also needs someone to take over the administration duties - for which a fee will be paid - and is looking at forming fund-raising groups.

It is hoped the majority of the funding will be secured through Lottery, European and Government money. Coffers will be boosted on March 30 when a fundraising event is held in the annexe at Skipton Town Hall.

"A lot has been done over the past two years. All that is needed now is for people to continue to be focused. We know that some people in the village feel the scheme is too ambitious, but £1.6 million today is not an unrealistic figure," added Coun Greaves.

The next meeting of the group will be held in the village hall on Monday February 11 at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in taking up the secretarial post can get more information from Coun Greaves on 01756 794526.