A FINSTALL-based cancer care centre suffered a crushing blow when its application to fund an extension was rejected.

The Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre applied to the Community Fund for a £560,000 grant to extend its premises in St Godwald's Road, Finstall, 15 months ago.

It was intended the funding be used to expand and improve current day-care facilities at the centre, and a new two-storey building which would offer care for more than 750 patients.

However, despite planning permission being granted by Bromsgrove District Council, the application was rejected.

Fundraising manager Jane Wardman said: "We are all terribly disappointed at the news. We have been turned down on a number of issues some of which we believe to be unfounded."

She added: "We have appealed against the decision but have been told our current application will not be resubmitted to the Regional Grants Committee.

"On the positive side, we have been invited to re-apply once we have addressed the issues raised by the Community Fund and we believe that we still have a good cause."

The hospice is currently working on a new application, which will be submitted by the end of the month.

When the Advertiser/Messenger asked what the charity would do if the second application were rejected she said: "We haven't thought that far ahead yet, but we have to remain positive."