THE future of the Hill Centre is hanging in the balance as the search gets under way for volunteers to join its new-look management committee.

If Upton people are not willing to support the Hill and District Association, the centre could be turned over to a private company.

A locally-formed committee is essential if the centre is to be exempt from a large proportion, and possibly all, of its business rates. This would keep down the charge made to local clubs and societies using the facilities.

Business rates would be much higher if it was turned over to a commercial operation.

A public meeting was held in the Memorial Hall last Thursday (August 2) to launch the bid for volunteers.

Kevin Douglas, corporate director at Malvern Hills District Council, warned that not only would it be more expensive for people to use the centre if a private company were to run it, but the council would also look at ways of maximising its income from it, such as getting a licence to sell alcohol.

The authority is looking for representatives from clubs and societies that will use the centre to sit on the management committee, as well as a chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary.

Mr Douglas said: "In my experience, the posts of treasurer and secretary are the hardest to fill. If anyone knows anybody with the necessary skills who would not mind helping, please tell them to get in touch."

The committee will have a budget of around £20,000 a year and be responsible for the day-to-day management of the centre, including managing staff and organising the timetable for its use.

"It's important that we get straight into the meetings and decide things such as how we're going to handle money, as I don't really want cash on the premises," said Sheina Stockton, the association's present chairman, who is to step down at the forthcoming AGM.