The Director of Youth, Sport and Recreation yesterday said he was surprised to learn of a youth club's refusal to move.

"These are things that are coming out of the blue now that crunch time is here,'' said Brenton Roberts.

On Monday, Gerald Fubler and a group of young men told The Royal Gazette they would refuse to leave the Sandys Community Youth Club in one of the buildings of the former Canadian Base at Daniel's Head.

They admitted the centre was created as a temporary measure, but said a new facility nearing completion at Springfield was inadequate.

But yesterday, Mr. Roberts said he was surprised to learn of their discontent as Government had involved them in discussions leading up to an relocation.

"The group out there at Daniel's Head, the Sandys Youth Community Club, they have always understood that their stay at Daniel's Head was temporary,'' said Mr. Roberts.

"We have met on numerous, numerous occasions,'' he continued.

"They have always understood that the developers would be taking possession for the eco-tourism development.

"There has been no change. They have always known that as soon as we get Springfield ready they will be absorbed in our programme. I don't know where this is coming from.'' And Mr. Roberts went on to say the Springfield complex, once complete, would provide more facilities, programmes, and activities than Daniel's Head.

"It will have far more than the limited activities that they have up there,'' he said.

A opening date has yet to be decided, but workers are aiming for early April.

Mr. Roberts also defended the proposed mixing of young and old people.

And he said the SYCC staying on the Daniel's Head property -- which is owned by the Bermuda Land Development Corporation -- was not an option as an agreement was made for them to vacate the property once a new site was found.