A COMMUNITY centre for people with special needs which has been in Worcester for 26 years will close because a Roman Catholic order can no longer afford to keep it running.

The Sacred Heart order will close St Michael Garicoits House, Greenhill, off London Road, in March, blaming a fall in numbers on the management committee and a change in direction for the order, which is taking on more missions in the developing world.

Austin Hughes, of the Solihull-based order, said: "People have asked us what we are going to do with Garicoits House when the project closes, and the answer is that we do not yet know.

"But among the possibilities is that it be used for our elderly and retired priests. We would like thank the loyal band of committee members and supporters who have helped the project serve those in need."

Worcester Gateway Club, which has met at the house for the last five years, is one of 10 groups which has to find a new place to meet after the doors close on Sunday, March 30, next year.

All the groups were given a year's notice about the plans so they can find somewhere else to go.

Eddie Curran, events organiser for the group, said: "We're anxious to find somewhere as soon as possible."

Club leader Carol Boughton said the group was grateful to the order, which had hired out the meeting place for just 6 an hour, half of what some community centres in Worcester charge.

She said: "Is there anybody out there who can help us? We only need a place for two hours a week."

The club, which has been meeting for the last 18 years, is a charity supported entirely by donations and subscriptions. Leaders organises games and outings for its 21 members with learning difficulties.

The group was also the drop-in centre for the Worcester Mind Group for 20 years, and women's charity Asha has also met at the house for the past six years, teaching vulnerable women literacy, numeracy and confidence-building.

Clare Doughty, who teaches the literacy group, said: "There is an enormous shortage of affordable places which run small groups. It's quite stressful for some women to come into college."

The centre was initially managed by priests but is now run by administrators Paul and Alison Devine, who have lived at the house for the last 12 years with their three children.

They will also have to leave in March.

Mrs Devine said: "There's no panic and nothing will change right away. It's sad but not unexpected. It could not go on forever. We still have a fantastic relationship with all the groups."

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