A CRAFT centre in Bewdley which houses four businesses could be forced to close if the building - owned by Wyre Forest District Council - is sold.

The council has owned the Bewdley Craft Centre in Lax Lane, which was formerly Lax Lane School, since 1974.

There are four industrial units - Bewdley Gallery, Packers Upholstery, Picture Box Studio and Awol - as well as two empty units and a toilet block.

Around three years ago, the business owners were informed the building, which dates back to 1838, was being put up for sale.

Brian Packer, 71, who has run Packers Upholstery for 14 years at the centre, said he felt the council should be refurbishing the units instead of selling them.

He added: "I would like to see the council spend some money on it and keep it as a craft centre because then it will be there for generations to come to use."

"It doesn't seem fair. We have suffered all these floods, all the inconvenience of the flood defences being done and now, when that is finished, someone may think of buying the building because it will be water-safe and we will have to go," he said.

Councillor Nigel Knowles said he felt the business units were "worth saving" adding: "There are just not the opportunities for little businesses in Bewdley like those in Lax Lane and it is a real shame that we are losing them.

"I am extremely disappointed that Wyre Forest District Council will not be pursuing the option of obtaining a grant to refurbish the premises. It will be another six businesses lost in Bewdley."

Council leader, Stephen Clee, said the building would be sold under the district council's asset management plan.

He added: "The building is surplus to our requirements. The Lax Lane craft centre needs a heck of a lot of money spent on it - it is not in the best of shape. We have not got the money to spend on it."

Mr Clee said obtaining a grant to refurbish the units was "not an option, as no organisation wants to give substantial money to recover the building".

He added the council would look at relocating the businesses to "similar or better premises" within the Wyre Forest district.