BUILDING work on the Hill Centre at Upton-upon-Severn has fallen seven weeks behind schedule, dashing hopes of the centre re-opening in January.

It could be Easter before sports and community groups are able to return to the revamped leisure centre.

"The main structure is complete and the roof is on. It's just a question of doing internal carpentry, plumbing, plastering and electrical work," said Pete MacLaren, property services manager with Malvern Hills District Council.

Mr MacLaren said he was confident the new completion date of February 14 would be achieved.

"There was a delay early on when we had to wait for planning approval for a change in the roof line because the original idea for a domed roof was too expensive," said Kevin Douglas, the council's director of administration and legal services.

Following discussions with the Hill Centre management committee about funding, the latest proposals for revenue support would be put to the council's executive committee in January, he said.

"It will be the end of February by the time the budget is approved, but we hope to have a decision from the council's executive committee before then, so that they can appoint a centre manager with confidence," said Mr Douglas.

It is hoped to include money in next year's budget for resurfacing the car park and buying new furniture for the community room and to apply for a fast-track Lottery grant for new sports equipment.

Management committee chairman Sheina Stockton said user groups, who all had to find alternative venues during the demolition and rebuilding of the centre, would have to extend their arrangements for a little longer - possibly until Easter.

"I hope they will still return when we are up and running, but I can't be sure," she said.

"We are hoping for a reasonable budget so that we can employ a full-time centre manager to develop the sports, community and commercial use of the centre.

"I hope it will put us on the map, because we need to attract big auctions, sales and parties to offset the community use of the centre.

"We have a big car park and it will be a nice venue with a good kitchen."