AN organisation set up to fill the gap left after the collapse of an advice service last year has been given £30,000 backing by Redditch Council.

Redditch Commonwealth has been set up by homeless charity Step Out Drop In, the YMCA, All Women's House and Redditch Co-Operative Homes.

It will act as adviser, consultant and advocate for the voluntary sector, work previously carried out by Redditch Council for Voluntary Services (RCVS).

Debts of up to £50,000 led to the collapse of RCVS and its closure prompted fears that major charities which relied on its support would suffer and miss out on vital funds.

Step Out Drop In manager David Cartwright said: "The organisation has now been given a name and is legally in place.

"The council has given £30,000 to appoint a co-ordinator. The advert has gone out this week and we hope to have someone in place at the end of this month.

"The idea is ultimately the post holder will be able to attract grants to enable the organisation to become self-funding."

Members of the town's voluntary sector, who spend more than £3 million a year in Redditch, have been invited to a conference at the town hall on Wednesday, November 5.