AN under-threat community centre has been described as a "lifeline" for local people by a Stourport town councillor.

Ken Henderson, Independent Health Concern member, said Walshes Community Centre, in Linden Avenue, was vital for the older generation in the area.

He explained: "Without this centre a lot of older people will never go out of their homes. The closure would have a major impact on their lives. These are people who have put a lot of hard work and revenue into their home town. Now they will have nowhere to go."

Mr Henderson added the centre was used as a polling station and if it was moved to St Bartholomew's School, as was being discussed, it would have an impact on election turnout.

He said: "The school is situated on top of a steep bank. Can we expect elderly people to climb this bank for electoral candidates who they believe have betrayed them?"

Nigel Thomas, Independent Health Concern Wyre Forest district councillor, said a part of the original council rent was for the upkeep of the hall.

He explained: "When the Community Housing Group took over, they carried on charging the same rate so, if they are going to take the centre away, they should have to drop the rent."

He said the plan to close the hall was being challenged and the situation was not "cut and dried at the moment".

He added: "A lot of people put a lot of effort into the hall. It's a lovely little place for local people and it would be terrible to take it away."

Oswald Groves, 78, runs an over-60s club at the centre where pensioners meet, play bingo, celebrate birthdays and organise trips.

He said: "We are very worried the centre will close. There will be nowhere for us to go. There is a village hall at Areley Kings but that is too far for many of us."

Yvonne Leishman, managing director of the Community Housing Group, said: "As part of our ongoing review, the Community Housing Group is considering the future of its community centres."

She said they had carried out consultation and discussions with customers and were aware of concerns raised by members of the Walshes Tenant Consultative Committee and "some users" of the Walshes Community Centre.

She added: "We have arranged to meet with all interested parties shortly to provide an opportunity to discuss this matter in detail.

"Therefore, at this stage we are unable to provide any further comments."