THE charity dedicated to delivering community activities in the St John's and Dines Green area of Worcester has reported positive improvements.

Westside Worcester, the charity and company responsible for running The Green Centre in Dines Green, Worcester, held its second annual meeting last week.

Board members and staff said while performance is improving, there are still concerns over future funding.

"This year has been quite a challenge for the Westside," said chairman Val Yates.

"Not least because we've had three babies born, four staff come and go and significant changes in the use of the centre.

"I just want to thank everyone who has been involved. We've come a long way in the past 12 months and we've increased the use of the centre phenomenally."

A financial review handed out at the meeting echoed Ms Yates' sentiments but highlighted the need for more money.

It said: "Performance in terms of income and expenditure is slowly increasing and it is envisaged that through the trading sector of the company the rental income will increase.

"However, a main concern of the charity continues to be that of ongoing funding for projects."

The Green Centre, in Gresham Road, is currently used by various groups including Sure Start, University of the Third Age (U3A), West Worcester Live at Home Scheme and local church Consuming Fire Ministries. It is also the base for one-off events such as multi-cultural day and an eco-club. The eventual aim of Westside Worcester - both the charity and the trading company - is for it to be managed by members of the community.

At the agm local resident Michael Dunn was elected to the Westside Worcester board of trustee.

David Candler, vice-chairman of the Green Centre Advisory Group, which is charged with helping the charity and limited company become completely community-led, said it was an important step towards the future.

To find out more about the Green Centre visit www.thegreencentre.btik.com