TROUBLED indoor play centre Having A Ball could be re-open in time for the summer holidays.

The centre has been closed for two-weeks after being repossessed, and owners Adrian and Paula Duncan have now admitted defeat in their battle to keep it running.

However Mr Duncan said there could be good news on the horizon for children and families, as he is close to agreeing a sale with an unnamed buyer who was saddened to read of the centre's financial struggle in the Malvern Gazette.

Having a Ball's problems came into the public eye when Malvern Hills District Council brought a petition for compulsory wind-up against the centre over unpaid business rates of £16,000.

Other creditors supported the petition, which was initially adjourned for two-weeks while Mr Duncan waited on a VAT rebate which he believed would clear his debts.

"The money came through, but by then the bank account had been frozen, and that cannot be withdrawn until the petition is withdrawn," he explained. "We're stuck between a rock and a hard place really - we have the money but we are not allowed to pay."

At further adjournnment until July 4 was agreed last week after Mr Duncan asked for time for the sale to go through.

Both parties are now keen to finalise details of the sale so the centre can re-open as soon as possible.

"Paula and I have invested a great deal of time and energy into setting up what we believe is the best play centre for miles, but sadly this is the end of an era for us," said Mr Duncan. "We did this for the community, and for us this is the best result from a bad situation.

"It would be even more heartbreaking for us if it were bulldozed - I think what we have produced allows us to walk away head held high."