ACCESS to recreational facilities at Grimwith Reservoir is under threat.

Planning permission for temporary buildings at the reservoir, situated near Hebden, is due to expiry shortly and the Dales Water Sports Partnership needs to raise £400,000 to build a permanent structure.

Without this, it will not be able to continue offering water sports to hundreds of youngsters.

Skipton MP David Curry visited the reservoir on Friday and pledged his support for the partnership.

Project officer, Keith Escritt, explained: "Being in the national park increases the cost of any building because it must be constructed using traditional materials in a style which is sympathetic to the beautiful surroundings.

"Unless we can bridge the funding gap within the next month or so, we will lose the use of this nationally significant facility."

The buildings currently include a cabin to store sailing gear, storage for two rescue boats, changing rooms and a clubhouse.

The Dales Water Sports Partnership comprises three organisations which work together to promote water sports.

These are GYBE, which works with educational groups, introducing more than 400 youngsters to sailing and windsurfing each year, Bewerly Park Outdoor Education Centre, which provides training courses on the reservoir, and the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club, which provides activities for more than 200 members.

Sailing club Commodore, Jonathan Lister, explained that Grimwith was a venue of regional significance.

He said: "This large, open expanse of water is unique in Yorkshire. It is ideal for a wide range of activities from windsurfing to high-performance dinghy sailing.

"We host a variety of national circuit events each year, bringing large numbers of visitors to the area from across the country."

Treasurer Philip Whitehead said the partnership had already raised over half of the capital required, but was struggling to find the remainder.

"The total ban on commercial activities at this site effectively means that the proposed building has zero commercial value and does not provide adequate security for a commercial lender," he explained.

GYBE's Sam Cook also voiced concern about the potential loss of the facility.

He added: "Grimwith Reservoir is the best location in the area for both GYBE and Bewerly Park.

"The club's charitable attitude towards youth and education is fantastic - we effectively get free and unfettered use of the water and facilities, which in turn means that we can keep our costs down to the bare minimum.

"If we lose access to this piece of water, several hundred youths a year are going to be disappointed.

"On the other hand, if we are able to secure funding, we have plans to double our activities for the benefit of even more local schools and educational establishments."

The buildings project has been supported by Yorkshire Water's estate manager, Lisa Harrowsmith.

"Yorkshire Water is pleased that the partnership has come forward with practical plans to enhance the use of this prime facility and we are happy to support the partnership through its formative years," she said.

MP David Curry added: "It represents very good value for money in terms of introducing people to sport and promoting a healthy, active and outdoor lifestyle.

"Sailing and windsurfing are two of the UK's most successful sports in terms of Olympic medals and it is very gratifying to see these sports alive and well high in the Yorkshire Dales.

"I would hope that Sport England would be able to support this project through its Community Investment Fund."

Anyone who can offer help with the project should email secretary@yorkshiredales.sc.

More information is also available on-line at www.yorkshiredales.sc