A TOP mountain board centre is hoping to secure vital funding by getting permanent planning permission for its site in Cradley.

Out to Grass owner Ian Johnson will be able to install a new timing system if his application to Herefordshire Council is successful.

The centre has been open for five years but was only granted temporary consent that needs annual renewal.

Without permanent planning permission, Mr Johnson has been unable to get Government grants and has funded the development of the centre from his own pocket.

"I think they will give me full planning permission. I really don't think they can discredit what I'm doing any more," he said.

"I was born here and I genuinely set this thing up from passion. It's farm diversification.

"It's a business but I did it for the local community and the kids and that's why it's so distressing that Herefordshire Council hasn't backed it."

Mr Johnson said the centre had hosted the British Championships and produced two British under-14s champions in the past five years - Jake Herriot of Cradley and James Sleigh of Suckley.

Complaints about noise and traffic from neighbours during the British Championships were one reason planning permission was only granted on a temporary basis.

However, Mr Johnson said the British Championship was only held once a year and that the problems that gave rise to the complaints had now been resolved.

If permanent permission is granted, 0800 Reverse has offered £2,500 towards the new timing system on the British Championship course. This would be match by a similar amount from Herefordshire Council.

Mr Johnson said he hoped the system would be in place by June, when mountain borders will be able to hire a transponder to time themselves over the course. The results will then be posted on the internet.

In September, the 32 top competitors in five age categories will compete in a final.

The plan will be considered in due course by Cradley Parish Council, prior to a final decision being made by Herefordshire Council.