THE director of The Met arts centre has resigned - and called on the venue's funders to cough up more money to give it a brighter future.

Ged Kelly, who has held the job for five years, told the annual meeting that he was leaving to fulfil a lifetime's ambition to travel the world.

But he left members in no doubt about the Market Street centre's 'very difficult financial circumstances' under which it had had no real increase in revenue funding while doubling the number of its activities.

"To progress and realise our potential, the local authority and funding bodies must be persuaded that The Met deserves a much higher priority for investment in the building and to develop our outreach and education work," he said.

"I believe there is much goodwill and fondness for The Met, from the arts community, political parties to the general public, and it is about time that Bury Metro became as proud of its principal arts venue as we are and invested meaningfully in establishing The Met as the flagship of its cultural infrastructure."

Despite the difficulties, Mr Kelly said The Met was "a healthy and vibrant organisation" which had much expanded its programme of events and won many more supporters in the borough.

Councillor John Costello, chairman of Bury Metropolitan Arts Association, said action had been taken to remedy an £11,000 deficit in the company's profit and loss account. He said the centre was again asking Bury Council for capital investment to improve the building, following an unsuccessful bid last year.

Taking over from Mr Kelly as acting director is David Agnew, who joined The Met three years ago as marketing manager and since April has been administrative and marketing director.

GOOD news - The Met has received a Lottery award of £32,000 to pay for new equipment, given through the Arts Council. It will buy a new PA system to improve the sound quality in The Met's main auditorium, and new stage lights.