RESIDENTS hold the future of an historic building at the heart of their community in their hands.

Proposals have been unveiled for a new building to replace Haxby Memorial Hall, which dates back to 1876.

A survey of residents will determine the way forward for the hall which is used for community events such as children's parties, sports activities, jumble sales, dances and plays.

Demolition is one option. Others include repairing the hall, but there would be no library or extra meeting rooms. Another choice could be to retain part of the old building, and add on a new building.

Startling new designs of a possible replacement building constructed of glass, wood and metal have also been unveiled for consideration.

Chairman of trustees David Roberts, said: "Plans have gone on show in the local library. The next stage is a survey of people in Haxby to see what option they would prefer."

But the proposals have sparked concerns among Haxby Playgroup whose manager Amanda Nicholson claimed they were not suitable. As well as "limited" storage, she said: "There are too many doors to the main hall where we would be situated. We have security issues with people just walking in or children walking out.

"Under Ofsted regulations we are supposed to have sole use of the parts of the building we need such as the kitchen and toilet.

"The outside play area should be enclosed and gated. They wanted it open. There was supposed to be somewhere for parents to speak confidentially. There isn't. These new plans seem to be more focused on meeting rooms."

She added: "We are concerned we are getting ignored yet we are the main users."

Haxby Playgroup has three sites with 63 children based at the hall. Scores of parents supported a letter to the committee asking them to keep the building.

Amanda said if the play group had to close for redevelopment it would have a knock-on effect on the other sites.

"We know the building needs re-modernising. We are all for that. But like every business, once we close one department it affects everything else. It could close Haxby Playgroup. It is very upsetting for staff and children not knowing where they are going to be."

Mr Roberts said the playgroup would continue to be consulted, and insisted the plans would meet Ofsted regulations.

"These are details to be discussed. The play group are represented on the trust. All they have mentioned has been taken into consideration - no decisions have been made."

His annual report stated: "This is a very important project for Haxby and whatever building we end up with will be expected to last for at least the next hundred years and will therefore outlive us all."

Updated: 10:58 Tuesday, July 26, 2005