TIME is running out for volunteers who have taken over a former council-run leisure centre to secure a grant towards the venture.

Ferryhill Community Partnership were given the keys to the town’s leisure centre this summer following its closure by Durham County Council a year ago.

They re-opened the facility, now named Ferryhill Community Hub, and hope that income from leasing out the gym, bar, indoor bowls and a nursery along with functions and sports hall activity will make it sustainable long term.

Members are also hoping to secure funds from four county councillors who pledged to support the initiative through their neighbourhood budget.

But with the current electoral term coming to a close in May, one councillor has threatened to pull the plug on his contribution and allocate the money elsewhere.

Coun Brian Avery, who has set aside £15,620 for utility bills, has given the Hub’s directors a deadline to answer questions relating to the project.

The questions were originally posed by the 4Together Partnership, an Area Action Partnership which administers members’ neighbourhood budgets, so they can process a donation of £20,000 from Coun Dave Farry, who also chairs the leisure centre group.

Coun Avery said: “The same issues will crop up with my money and that is why I have said that they need to be answered satisfactorily by the end of October or I will look to support other projects.

“I’ve always wanted to support the centre and see it saved for the community, I don’t want to see it fail but there will be other groups and projects in the area I cover that need support.

“It takes weeks to process an application for funds and time is running out for other projects to come forward and apply for money.”

Secretary of the Hub group, town councillor Brian Gibson, said directors have met with AAP officers and he would be amazed if there are further issues to resolve before money can be released.

He said: “Each area of the centre is financially sound in itself and generating income but we need the neighbourhood budget to fill in gaps, to make more immediate investments such as alterations to the building for security like a swipe card system.”

Coun Charlie Magee and Coun Christine Potts are understood to have earmarked £20,000 and £5,000 for the Hub respectively but their application have yet to be considered.