A LOTTERY which raises charity money from a kiosk in Bourne-mouth's gardens may close until next year after a major slump in income.

The Bournemouth Lottery, run by the borough council, has raised tens of thousands of pounds in the past but is unlikely to pay out to any good causes this year.

The lottery's kiosk in the Lower Gardens - which accounts for 99 per cent of its ticket sales - was damaged by a flood a year ago and had to shut. Although the Daily Echo paid £6,500 towards replacing it this summer, ticket sales were slow and the agent responsible for the kiosk has quit.

A report to councillors says: "The agent has terminated his contract and the kiosk is temporarily closed. Final income returns from the agent are currently awaited. Because the income may be insufficient to cover all the overheads it would be premature to consider agreeing to fund any further projects at this time."

Ticket sales for the lottery have declined from £139,790 in 1995-96 to £31,173 in 2001-02, according to the report to the council's scrutiny panel on quality services and value for money.

The report says the lottery was able to find £30,000 for good causes in 2001-02, despite the fact that the flooding of the kiosk had "a major impact on lottery income".

Officers recommend that the scheme is suspended when the current lottery finishes in November and a new lottery started in time for Easter 2003. Officers would look for another agent in the meantime and would consider ways of reducing costs and generating more income.