THE resignation of Phil Talbot as chairman of trustees of the Greig Centre casts another shadow of doubt over the future of the memorial hall and redevelopment of the sports hall as a community venue.

Mr Talbot has made it clear in recent weeks that if the trustees fail to raise enough cash to go ahead with the building project, the centre will close.

The crucial funding, he has said, is the proposed £150,000 from Alcester Town Council which will be paid for by the people of the town through the parish precept.

That determines whether Stratford District Council honours its proposed £800,000 grant, which is part of a £1 million sport and community investment in the town.

But if the Greig Centre closes it is unclear what will happen to that money.

Councillor Trevor Russel, who has responsibility for the project, said: "Obviously one hopes the Greig will not close and that the situation will not be affected by Phil Talbot's resignation, that the redevelopment will go ahead and we will give them the money.

"If it does close we will have to look with considerable urgency at what we do as the Greig fulfils a major role in many ways and the district council will want to fill the gap."

But he warned: "The money is earmarked specifically for that scheme so if it collapsed that is the end of the £800,000 for that project.

"I would hope, however, that we would be receptive to finding some alternative. The district council would not want to sit on its hands."

One possible alternative is to transfer all facilities to Alcester Grammar School. Head Teacher Iain Blaikie said: "We would do what we could to help if that situation came to pass but it would be a shame to see a community facility close.

"We could only do what was possible within our resources. What is important, though, is that the £800,000 which has been earmarked for Alcester comes to Alcester and does not go elsewhere."