FEARS have been raised by users of the Elton Centre after being updated on plans for a new building.

The Alston Street centre is to be demolished to make way for a £400,000 centre of excellence for youth provision. But the current users fear they will be squeezed out.

The new building is scheduled for completion by summer.

However, concerns were raised at Monday's meeting of Bury West area board that residents would have no final say in the use of the building - which will be managed by Bury Council's youth service.

Area co-ordinator Alison Wilkins told residents that two problems that were hampering progress had been addressed.

The building outline would now be moved away from homes on David Street, where residents complained because the original plans were too close.

In addition, the majority of current users had been told that they would be able to use the new building.

However, some difficulties in making room for the children's Fun Bunch group during school holidays were still to be resolved.

Area board member Coun Bob Bibby said that he was not satisfied with the plans to give the youth service a final say in use of the facility.

He said: "As far as I am concerned it is for community use, but with a leaning towards youth.

"I am very concerned that one particular section of the council can have an overriding say over all other users."

Audience member Michael Hankey said: "I'm absolutely incensed that the Fun Bunch has become a problem. It isn't a problem and it must be given an adequate use of the centre."

Area youth manager Bev Meadowcroft said that extra space available in the new centre would made any conflict less likely.