THE future of a top water-skiing club could be in jeopardy if plans for a new housing development are approved by Selby councillors.

White Cross Ski Club, at Cawood, was set up almost 42 years ago and is one of the best facilities of its kind in the country, producing two international water skiers and welcoming disabled competitors.

But the 100-strong club, which uses the River Ouse, may be forced to close, because a family who were bequeathed the 1.95 acres of land in Rythergate and Ryther Road where the club's headquarters are based want to build 24 houses there.

Selby MP John Grogan is opposing a recommendation by local planning officers to approve the development, after meeting with club members and local residents on Saturday.

"I think it would be a great shame if we lost this facility in Selby," said Mr Grogan.

"The planning officers seem to be taking a very parochial view, as they claim the club has only a limited role in the local area.

"It is true that quite a few people who use the club come from outside the area, but I thought we were trying to attract people to Selby.

"The leader of the council said on election night that youth provision would be one of their priorities and I will be writing to the council about this matter."

Club committee member Jackie Dilley, who owns one of 15 static caravans on the site, said the village was like "a second home", as she had spent her weekends there for 27 years.

She said Government policy stated that a sporting facility could not be removed for housing without the possibility for relocation.

"The planning officers seem to think we are surplus to requirements, but none of the other nine clubs in the area can accommodate us.

"Water for this sport is at a premium. It is few and far between."

Mrs Dilley said the club hadstrong relations with the village of Cawood, which members helped to protect from flooding in 2000.

They work with local young people, as well as taking part in the annual craft fair.

"Various groups come to us to learn to ski as we have six trained teachers and a third of our membership are youngsters," she said.

"We recently received a £3,000 grant for disabled facilities and we already have one disabled skier and can take more.

"I know that local people would much prefer us to housing."

Both North Yorkshire Police Underwater Search Team and the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service boat unit have keys to use the club's slipway for emergencies.

Selby District Council will discuss the application at planning committee on Wednesday.

Updated: 15:10 Monday, May 12, 2003