THE future of Malvern’s outdoor education centre was on the agenda Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet met last week.

The council is considering a number of options for the West Malvern facility, including selling it off and entering a commercial partnership.

In 2007 the outdoor education centres at Malvern, Upton Warren and Llanrug, North Wales, were given until the end of this financial year to become financially self-sufficient. However figures show a projected shortfall of £140,000.

But the meeting on Thursday, October 20 members heard that, at Malvern, income is set to exceed expenditure this year. Total income is projected at £640,000 with costs totalling £597,000.

Although no final decision was taken on the centre’s future yesterday, it was agreed that a bursary fund of £100,000 to the centres be phased out over two years.

Malvern councillor Clive Smith said: “Malvern is performing very well and I welcome the fact they are not considering it as a whole but as three separate entities. The next step is to continue pressing to ensure that its future is secure. The best way to do that is to retain the freehold of any property and to work in partnership with anyone who will emerge to provide the facilities and the work that are needed.”

Phil Ascough, head of the centre, feels the centre is moving in the right direction. He added he is concerned at the impact a commercial partnership might have on children’s educational experiences.

“The priority is very much the young people of the county while we are owned by the county council,” he said. “Other organisations might have other priorities and profit margins might be more important to them.”

Cabinet will receive a further report in March before making a final decision on the centres.