AN APPEAL has been made for help from York's community to get a proposed new arts centre off the ground.

Members of voluntary group York Arts Arena (YAA) are working to open the new centre in a disused vehicle depot in Hungate, York.

The building's owner, Evans Property Group, has given YAA free use of it until it is demolished as part of the proposed Hungate development.

The centre will be called The Depot and would offer a diverse range of the arts, such as painting exhibitions, poetry, comedy, dance therapy and science workshops.

Schools and colleges in York would be encouraged to get involved and various local groups would be offered use of the facilities.

But to get the project moving the volunteers need to raise between £30,000 and £40,000, so they are appealing for donations or donations "in kind".

These could include gifts of equipment or materials, such as electrical cable, fire extinguishers or tables and seating, or see craftsmen or women agreeing to donate some of their time or expertise to the project.

The volunteers are also appealing for York's artistic community to get involved by joining a steering group.

"The Depot would be a community venue so we really want the community to get involved.

"Any input or donations would be very gratefully received," said spokesman John Drysdale.

Anyone who would like to donate skills, equipment or cash to the project should phone either 07980 569262 or 07905 205808.

The organisers of The Depot project have asked the Evening Press to point out it is not connected to free outdoor parties held in the York area last year and in 2001.

Updated: 16:36 Monday, January 20, 2003