TOUGH decisions on staffing and a firm financial hand have steered a community centre away from potential collapse, a meeting will be told next week.

Middleham's Key Centre went through a difficult birth - problems caused by frequent changes of management were exacerbated by flooding in November 2000, while a leaking roof had to be repaired.

The difficulties were compounded by the onset of the foot-and-mouth crisis a year ago, curtailing programmes and events which should have helped the centre forge its place at the hub of the Dales community.

However, having pledged £75,000 towards the project over three years, Richmondshire District Council stepped in to take a key role, formulating an action plan which aimed to put the facility back on its feet.

The authority's resources committee will be told on Tuesday that the centre's future is looking more secure.

In a written report about progress over the past six months, executive director, Donna McDermott, said a new business plan, implemented in September, has proved a watershed.

She accepts that limiting staff to a manager, an assistant, an accounts clerk and a caretaker makes it difficult to plan more ambitious projects.

However, a board of trustees, formed to monitor the centre's day-to-day performance, has also helped chart a course away from potential disaster, ensuring that any new ideas remain viable.

"Since September, the centre has shown a surplus in income over expenditure,'' writes Ms McDermott.

"This is marginal, but bears out the statement made in September that the centre can run viably, but has to keep strict control over its costs. Monthly budget sheets are prepared for the monthly trustees meetings and these are closely monitored by the trustees and by myself.''

A playgroup, 15 clubs and societies, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Northern Racing College and English Heritage are established customers at the Key Centre.

However, the report concludes with a recommendation that the district council agrees to a £10,000 financial safety net to help underpin work done so far.

"This will provide certainty for the trustees and enable proper future planning," said Ms McDermott