THE Greig Centre could be given approval for its long-awaited £800,000 grant from Stratford District Council next month.

The matter is to be discussed in a confidential session of the council's executive committee in November but the councillor with responsibility for the Greig's proposed redevelopment has hinted it is likely to go in the centre's favour.

Shipston councillor Trevor Russell told the Chronicle last week: "At this stage I cannot say very much about it but I think the trustees of the Greig Centre will be very comfortable with what we are planning to give them."

Mr Russell said he hoped councillors on the committee would approve the £800,000 which would be ploughed into the sports hall.

Trustees hope the increased revenue generated by the improved sports facilities will enable them to refurbish the main hall.

The grant is part of a £1 million investment in sports and leisure facilities for Alcester.

The other £200,000 has been given to Alcester Grammar School for its new sports hall, which is now under construction.

The delay in the Greig's grant has been because of the trustees' delay in submitting a business plan, which council officers then questioned.

Officers have now accepted the plan and provided that councillors approve the money, which has been set aside for the project for the past four years and a planning application is approved, work can begin on the sports hall extension.