THE entertainments manager at York's Barbican Centre has quit, saying he has taken a new job because of continuing uncertainty over the complex's future.

Dewi Lewis, who had held the post since 2000, remained at the Barbican after it closed down in 2004.

At that time, prospective new operators Absolute Leisure were planning to carry out a refurbishment of the auditorium and build new bars and a restaurant during 2005.

But their plans were hit by a series of legal problems, as the Save Our Barbican (SOB) campaign launched a twin-pronged battle to thwart a late-night licence and block City of York Council's decision to grant planning permission.

The auditorium reopened last autumn under Mr Lewis's charge, so that three events, including the UK Snooker Tournament, could be staged, but then closed down again. An appeal against City of York Council's decision to grant a late licence is due to be heard by York Magistrates next month.

Mr Lewis said today he had resigned after many enjoyable years because he had been offered an "excellent new opportunity" elsewhere. Absolute Leisure said he would be looking after conferencing and events at an educational establishment.

"I have taken this new job because of the continued uncertainty about the future of the Barbican, brought about by the actions of protesters.

"If the Absolute Leisure scheme had gone ahead when it was supposed to, I definitely would have stayed. When the situation is resolved, I would not rule out returning at some point."

He said he was sure his replacement would have a vast amount of experience in looking after conferences, events and concerts.

He said: "I have a 100 per cent confidence in Absolute Leisure's ability to take the Barbican forward and I wish them lots of luck in the future".

Absolute Leisure flatly dismissed rumours circulating in York that a DJ from Leeds was being appointed to replace Mr Lewis, with the aim of staging late-night discos or raves. A spokeswoman said this was "complete rubbish", adding: "No decision has been made yet on his (Mr Lewis's) replacement, and there is not - and never has been - any intention to hold late night raves at the Barbican."

She said an existing technical manager at the Barbican would remain in charge of the building at the moment. "In the short term, Absolute Leisure will bring managers in, if and when they need to."

A spokesman for SOB said: "If they have no plans to hold late-night discos, they will presumably have no objections to a condition ruling out such events on the late-night licence, if one is granted." He added that campaigners wished the best of luck to Mr Lewis.

Updated: 09:14 Saturday, January 07, 2006