A youth club leader has called on the Government to abandon a new community centre in the West End in favour of a site at nearby Daniel's Head.

Gerald Fubler runs a successful youth centre at Sandys but its future is uncertain and he would like to see it developed as a base for young and old, instead of the planned Springfield House scheme.

Mr. Fubler says the already established centre at Daniel's Head could be turned into a facility for the whole community -- without the expense of setting up a completely new facility at the National Trust-owned house.

He said the planned community and youth centre there will cost $1.2 million to renovate and it would be better to invest in something that has already proved a hit with the locals.

Since its inception in October, Daniel's Head has attracted more youngsters each night.

Open seven nights a week, it regularly attracts over 100 youngsters a week -- with 68 new members being enrolled recently.

Originally opened as a temporary centre as the result of work by the Sandys Community Action Group and the Sandys Youth Committee, it has a stay of execution until the early summer or possibly until January -- when Springfield House is expected to open.

"Why not invest in something that is working?'' said Mr. Fubler. "I want to keep it going. It is worth fighting for.'' He said it was possible that they could stay open, but if they did it would be likely that they would have to go under Government control.

"We want to stay independent because it is working -- I would hate to see it fall.'' A report to shareholders of the Bermuda Land Development Company, who manage the property, stated that "the youth centre will remain in operation pending the establishment of a West End community centre or the turning over of the site to a developer for a tourism development.'' Mr. Fubler said the success of the youth centre had proved that there was a need in the area in that it had helped take youngsters off the street.

Activities provided include pool, table tennis, kayaking and it is hoped that computers will arrive soon. A Government grant has helped with the running costs and donations are also accepted.

It could easily be adapted as a centre for all the community, he added.

"I am not panicking, I have got to stand firm. I have the support, I just hope the Government does recognise what we have done. They should be putting children's ideas to heart.'' MILITARY MIL