A MALVERN-based charity, which feared it might have to move or even shut down, has taken a step closer to ensuring it can continue operating from its town centre offices.

Malvern Town Council finance and administration committee has approved a £8,600 grant to Community Action, which provides support, advice, information and representation for voluntary and community groups in the Malvern Hills District, for 2008/09.

It is recommending the full council, which meets on Tuesday, February 5, endorses the award.

The charity has been based in the third floor offices in Belle Vue Terrace, Great Malvern, owned by Malvern Town Council, for the past seven years - paying a peppercorn rent.

However last year the council decided to review the way it rents its premises and to charge a commercial rent for the third floor offices - £9,600 for 2008/09 - to get a better return for its assets and the council taxpayers of Malvern.

In December last year it decided to grant Community Action a three-year lease on the property and the opportunity to apply for a major grant of £8,600 for the coming financial year.