VOLUNTEERS have said they were shocked to be told a community facility was set to shut temporarily - but the trust that runs it has branded this 'misinformation'.

People who volunteer at skills centre, Building Blocks, say they were 'unexpectedly' told they weren't required - but Worcester Community Trust says it has only temporarily paused some activities after booking out its facilities to a private organisation.

The skills centre does admit that some activities will now not be available until April - blaming rising costs and declining bookings. 

The centre in Shap Drive, Warndon, hosts workshops developing DIY and building skills including bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, tiling and woodwork and opened in 2015.

Government money was earmarked to enable the idea to expand to set up another centre in Dines Green to train more local people in trades and life skills.

Volunteers at Building Blocks said they were unaware of the decision to pause some activities until the night before they were due to work, and "unexpected is an understatement."

One volunteer, who requested not to be named, said: "Some of us have been there for eight or nine years and to get a message off another volunteer (that it will be shut) is unsuitable.

"That is the general feeling among most of us."

However, the charity says that, between January and March, some informal activities at the venue are on hold until April and this is in line with its normal business practice. 

The charity revealed that since Covid and particularly over the last year, The Building Block has seen a sharp decline in paid-for-course bookings and increased costs.

These bookings play a large part in subsidising the costs of this project, which has meant it's been operating at an unsustainable loss.

Worcester Community Trust CEO Jon Newey said: "I am aware how this misinformation may have caused distress and confusion for the project volunteers.

"We have no doubt that, from March onwards, we will be able to deliver a wider programme to more residents whilst being more financially sustainable.

"Keeping the core purpose of the Building Block project thriving for future generations of people of Worcester."

Worcester Community Trust has assured its users that Building Blocks is not closing for good. 

But Worcestershire County Councillor and Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Marc Baylis said he is very concerned about The Building Block, and there is deep worry over its future due to funding.

He said in his role as county councillor, he was unaware of the changes, and he believes his colleagues are also unaware. 

He added: "I am concerned about Building Blocks because government money has been given to their expansion, and they have stopped their own training. 

"The whole purpose is to train local people to get them into local industry."