THERE are some searching questions this week over the news that a new sports hall for Malvern could cost £0.5m more than expected.

One of which is: what kind of sports facilities do we want in this country.

As we wish Ceris Gilfillan, from Welland, all our best wishes in the cycling events at the Sydney Olympics next week, we can also marvel at the facilities on offer there.

No-one's suggesting we build an opera house for a backdrop for a triathlon but there is no doubt that top class facilities help to nurture sporting talent.

Consider the effect of the Manchester Velodrome on Great Britain's cycling success in this year's Olympics.

Malvern may not be on an Olympic scale but all sportsmen and women start somewhere.

One thing's for sure, the cost of the proposed sports hall will not get any cheaper.

The construction industry is booming and materials - and fuel - are unlikely to come down in price.

It's worth considering this before scaling down plans or cutting any corners. People were asked what design they wanted and this is what it's going to cost. We don't want it to be, or look, second rate.

Because maybe, just maybe there's another Ceris out there waiting to be encouraged.