APATHY, poor facilities and a bad reputation have been blamed for the Greig Centre's loss of income over the past year.

Manager Stacy Robinson said people in Alcester and the surrounding areas were reluctant to use the facilities and as a result, the centre did not break even.

In his annual report following his first full year in the post, Mr Robinson outlined the cost-saving exercises he has had to implement - including cutting staff and opening hours - which have reduced the centre's losses.

But attempts to boost revenue with live band nights were unsuccessful, resulting instead in a £1,500 loss.

He said: "It is vital we reach the £1.2 million budget to complete the sports hall redevelopment into a new multi-use community facility. This will enable me to protect and develop the main income stream. This will ensure operational sustainability and give the Greig Centre a stable footing to concentrate on the re-development of the Memorial Hall and associated ancillary buildings to complete a full site regeneration."