EXCITING plans to turn a disused factory into a teenage activity centre may have hit a stumbling block - because of the costs of leasing the building. Chairman of Portishead Tourism Bill Shier put forward the idea of leasing the former Kodak building at M

EXCITING plans to turn a disused factory into a teenage activity centre may have hit a stumbling block - because of the costs of leasing the building.Chairman of Portishead Tourism Bill Shier put forward the idea of leasing the former Kodak building at Mill Road and convert it into an activity centre.Initially it was understood the lease would be handed over free of charge, but it has since transpired a rent payment of at least £73,000 would be required.The news of the rental costs has meant the future viability of the project has been thrown into question.Portishead councillor John H Clark, who organised a public meeting to discuss the proposal, said: "There is wide recognition that Portishead needs more facilities and this very original idea was widely welcomed and many people felt the idea had potential."Upon first inquiries, the high cost of leasing the building initially seems to be prohibitive and renders the building a non-starter at present."However, the success of the gymnasium in Harbour Road demonstrates the potential use of unoccupied industrial buildings and we hope a commercial organisation will see the benefit of bringing entertainment to Portishead."Portishead and North Weston Town Council has already agreed to establish a working party to look at the possibility of providing better facilities for the young people in the town.A working party has also been set up to look at possible sites to install a second skateboard park in the town.A number of potential sites have been put forward including land next to the youth centre and the Lake Grounds.