THE boss of the Greig Hall in Alcester is angry that Stratford District Council has "done more damage than good" after it was asked to help fund the centre's development.

The Greig had applied to the council for help funding the refurbishment of the hall, adding to money already provided by the Big Lottery Fund.

General manager Stacy Robinson told the Chronicle the Greig wants £129,000 from the council to help reach the overall target of £649,000 but was angry it had sent out a press release that claimed the centre was "facing financial difficulty".

Mr Robinson said: "I've complained to the council that the wording of the statement is wrong.

"After a radio station ran a story based on the press release, I've had customers calling in asking me when the Grieg is going bust.

"As we work in partnership with the council, it's only right and proper that we asked them for help and advice but they have done more damage than good.

"People are starting to think that we have some kind of cash crisis but that's totally wrong."

The trustees of the Greig are awaiting the council's response to ideas that have been discussed between them, including long-term parking spaces, a commercial loan and the introduction of district council sport and educational initiatives at the centre.

Ross Greig, chairman of the trustees, said: "The Greig is an independent charity that will continue to evolve and develop for local people today and in the future."

Councillor Chris Williams, the district council's community services portfolio holder, said: "The council has agreed to work with the trustees of the Grieg and facilitate negotiations between the council's preferred leisure contractors, SLM, with a view to SLM managing the centre, if this proves viable.

"This proposal is subject to all parties being in agreement but the centre will not close at the current time.

"Without this lifeline the trustees have said that they will be forced to close the centre."

The council maintained that without big changes to the situation, the current press release still applies.