COMPLACENCY not a lack of cash could kill the Wharf — but its artistic success seems secure for the foreseeable future, according to managing director Margaret Hurdwell.

However she said there was a misconception over funding from some people who believed the Wharf was heavily supported by grants.

'We receive no public funding from any source although we are helped by the Friends of the Wharf.

'We are totally dependent on public support both on an audience and voluntary basis,' said Mrs Hurdwell.

The Wharf opened five years ago — but the original charity went to the wall five months after with considerable debts. Six months later it reopened under the present company Community Arts Management (CAM) which has been at the helm since February 1996.

'We also took over the loan for the original shortfall of funding on the building conversion of some £150,000,' said Mrs Hurdwell.

'We also took on the debts incurred from the charity — around £57,000 — and paid back everyone that was owed money locally and beyond.'

Overall debt repayments cost the Wharf some £1,300 per month.

'People say why haven't you got this or that grant but the difficulty the Wharf has is that we don't produce art we 'platform' it as a receiving house. So we don't fit into the category of grants for arts projects.

'I believe that after a time everything gets taken for granted. I don't want people to take the Wharf for granted and be complacent because it survives with a huge amount of support from customers as well as volunteer help. Otherwise we couldn't run the place,' she said.

Despite the cash burden the Wharf shoulders it keeps it financial head above water.

'We are very successful — but success is on the back of our hard work. You get tired of people's mindless criticism without thought for the tremendous hard work and enthusiasm of our volunteers — mainly recruited from the Friends of the Wharf — that keeps the momentum going.'

Like everyone at the Wharf, Mrs Hurdwell has to be multi-skilled to help ensure it survives.

'I do everything from vacuuming the carpet to booking the acts. We ask volunteers to do jobs that would cost a fortune if we had to pay.'

Mrs Hurdwell said the cinema provided the arts centre's bread and butter and the recent innovation of late night horror has proved a big success with youngsters.

'The Wharf will not close for cash reasons because we are very careful — but it could close if the community becomes apathetic about what they have got here.'