HARTFORD Campus and Moss Farm's income for the first quarter of this year has 'significantly fallen', according to a report to the centre's joint management committee.

The gross income dropped by almost £9,000 compared to the same period in 1998, but leisure bosses remain optimistic as attendances continue to increase.

Delayed rent payments, Winnington Park Hockey Club's decision to relocate to Sir John Deane's College and the centre's inability to secure a lucrative ice cream contract have all contributed to the financial fall.

Managers say they're not worried by the figures and are pleased with an increase of seven per cent in usage for the first three months of the financial year.

Tony Newall, Cheshire County Council's Sport and Community Development Officer, whose remit includes Moss Farm and the Hartford Campus, said: "The fall is not really a problem as the majority of that money will actually come later this year.

"The delayed payment of £5,000 will come from the Sports Development Unit in the next quarter while the money made from the hockey club represented only two per cent of the centre's annual revenue.

"The management will look at other areas to raise the money over the next year."

More people may be coming through the door but this doesn't mean income will necessarily increase as well, said Tony.

"Not all usage at the sites are charged for, for example more and more groups are using the centre for meetings which means they don't pay an admission fee," he added.

Curricular use of the facilities by Mid Cheshire College has been another significant factor in the increase in usage while Northwich Cricket Club's relocation has also helped.

Moss Farm staged 14 games between April and June compared to just three for the same period last year, which Tony believes will benefit both sides.

He added: "Moving to Moss Farm will give the cricket club a higher profile while hopefully attracting more youngsters to the game and more people to use the facilities on offer."

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