THE Greig Centre's finances are out of the red for the first time in four years.

Half-yearly figures for the Kinwarton Road centre show a surplus of £1,700, which represents a massive turn around from the huge losses reported at the last three annual general meetings.

Centre director Stacy Robinson described the news as "tremendous" and said that cost-cutting measures and donations have contributed to the change of fortunes.

"It's not that we have made any more money yet, but we have made savings, and generous donations from Kinwarton and Arrow parish councils have helped us turn things around. This is a good start.

"I'm very proud of the way that my staff and trustees have got to grips with the facility and the strategic direction of the community centre.

"The proof is in the pudding that we can do it, we are planning to do it and we will do it.

"I'd like to thank all current users of the Greig Centre for bearing with us.

"And I urge all potential users to come and have a look at what we've got and where we are going in the future."

Work on the redevelopment of the former sports hall is due to begin at the beginning of September following the appointment of development firm Ball Hall as project managers.

"They have costed the project to meet the budget, so we don't have to find any more," said Mr Robinson.

"Also the gym will be able to remain open throughout so we won't have to lose any income there.

"It's good news all round."