THE death knell seems to have been rung for York Arts Centre after its members agreed that they expect it to close.

A resolution has been passed to "accept the probable eventual liquidation of the arts centre."

This is expected to lead to the end of what is the oldest centre of its type in England.

But no official statement about the future of the listed building in Micklegate has been made by the centre's council of management.

Kenny Lieske, former events manager at the centre, told the Evening Press that the membership passed the resolution at a meeting this week.

And a spokesman for City of York Council, one of the organisations which funded the centre, said: "My understanding is that the closure was confirmed."

But director John Vaughan said an official statement could not be made "for a day or two" until members agreed what would be said.

York Arts Centre has stood unused since early August after a notice appeared on its door reading: "Regretfully, York Arts Centre has been forced to cease trading pending an emergency general meeting of its members to be convened shortly.

"All rights of access, other than under an explicit agreement with York Civic Trust or the University of York, have now ceased."

The centre, housed in a converted church owned by the York Civic Trust with the university acting as landlord, last year celebrated its 30th birthday.

A spokesman for the council of management said at the time of last month's closure: "The centre has been beset by financial and other problems for some time. These have become insurmountable."

Local artists have warned that the closure could damage the culture of the city, with performers being left without an outlet.

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