A CHARITY fears it may be made homeless if Malvern Town Council decides to sell off its headquarters.

The former Manders chemist shop in Belle Vue Terrace, acquired and converted by the council at a cost of £600,000, is also home to Community Action, which helps elderly and disabled people.

But town councillor Adrian Ward has called for an up-to-date valuation of the property and estimates of the income that could be generated by renting out each part of it.

He said the building was being under-used and was costing the council a great deal of money.

Community Action vice chairman Barbara Watton said that the charity, which occupies the top floor, would be made homeless if the building were to be sold.

It provides transport for elderly and disabled people and hires out a minibus to other charities.

It also has a volunteer centre and a resource centre for voluntary organisations, the unemployed and those starting up new businesses.

"I feel I must point out that the constant references to selling off the town council offices have an unsettling effect on all working in both the statutory and voluntary sectors.

"We all try very hard to provide the community of Malvern with the highest level of service," said Mrs Watton.

More space

"We really need more space to operate our cramped volunteer centre. Our co-ordinator, deputy and project organisers currently have to share two offices.

"So please let's have no more talk of under-utilisation of these premises."

When the town council bought the Grade II listed Manders building, it intended to make a one-stop shop for council and community services in the area. It entered into a formal partnership with Community Action in June 2000, but the one-stop shop did not materialise.

Circumstances

Instead, Malvern Hill District Council and Worcestershire County Council have plans to establish a one-stop shop at Malvern Library.

Coun Ward said circumstances had changed since the council bought the building and a valuation should be done in order to consider all the options, such as renting out offices or selling and relocating.

"It is sensible, perfectly normal business practice and was not really contentious, but the motion was not formally put to the council.

"It has been deliberately sidelined by being passed to a sub-committee."

Coun Ward's suggestion will be discussed at a finance committee meeting on April 15.