For more than two decades, people with special needs have found a haven at Michael Garicoits House in Worcester.

But from next March, the community centre off London Road will close its doors and the many groups who use it will have to find somewhere else to meet.

While this situation is regrettable, it's difficult to find fault with the Roman Catholic order that has run the centre for the good of the community over the last 21 years.

The groups who met there certainly don't blame the Sacred Heart brothers, and have emphasised how grateful they are that they have had somewhere to meet for so long.

Sacred Heart offered the use of Michael Garicoits House for half the fees charged by other similar centres and the organisation should be congratulated for its generosity and commitment to the community.

The organisation has decided that Michael Garicoits House is not financially sustainable in its present role, and it is perfectly within its rights to do so.

The fact that it feels it can find a use for the building that fits in better with its vision is unfortunate for groups such as Worcester Gateway Club and Worcester Mind Group, but it can't be helped.

At least Sacred Heart has given such groups a generous eight months to find somewhere else to meet.

We wish them luck in their search and hope they find an organisation that will look after them for the next two decades like Sacred Heart has looked after them for the last two.