Attempts to secure the long-term future of theSPACE are continuing, with an announcement expected this month about the popular facility’s future.

theSPACE will leave its current base at the Old Ben Sayers Factory on Tantallon Road when the lease runs out in March next year, and Adrian Girling, project co-ordinator, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing as to the future of the organisation.

He said: “We’re in discussions with East Lothian Council and hope to have something tied up soon.” It seems likely the group will have to acquire land for the project, which currently houses a skatepark, soft play area and band rehearsal rooms, and raise the funds required to start again.

When asked, Adrian said that seemed like “the only option”.

The group had hoped to tie in its move with a proposed housing development, with Gateside in Haddington among the places it was interested in moving to.

Last year, Mr Girling said the group was unlikely to be able to build a new site due to the costs involved.

However, plans have been put forward by East Lothian Council which would see a new housing development in the Gateside area, meaning the group might be saved from having to close its doors permanently.

In the summer, Mr Girling told the Courier that if theSPACE, which has been running since 2010 and in its current home for two years, was unable to find a suitable location, they would be forced to abandon the venture.

The group’s impending departure from North Berwick has been met with disappointment from another local youth group.

Lesley Kay, project director of North Berwick Youth Project, told the Courier: “There are very few facilities for young people in North Berwick and it will be a great loss if theSPACE has to leave the town.

“One of our youth workers uses the rehearsal rooms for music practice supporting a local youth band and that facility will be sorely missed.” Trustees at theSPACE hope, with the help of East Lothian Council, to have news of a new home within the next four weeks.