A STAY of execution looks set to be granted at closure-threatened Stourport Community Centre.

Officers at Wyre Forest District Council have recommended the facility is kept open for a further year at a cost of £14,000 while other options are explored.

The centre, at the Memorial Park, Lickhill Road, was put under threat last February as part of the previous administration's efforts to save £3 million over the next two years.

But in a report to tonight's executive meeting officers urge funding for a further year while investigations continue to lease or sell the community centre to voluntary or private sector partners. Jeannette Baldwin, of Wyre Forest Dysphasia Support Group, and patient Olive Jones outside Stourport Community Centre.

Otherwise, it will have to close in April.

Meanwhile, Health Concern, which currently controls Wyre Forest District Council, has vowed the centre will not close while it remains in power.

Community, health and safety portfolio holder Brian Glass said: "It was built for the community and is used by the community. There is no way this centre will close while we are in charge."

The council has held a meeting with centre users who are very concerned about its future.

Among those is Wyre Forest Dysphasia Support Group, which helps people who have suffered a stroke to speak again.

Group organiser Jeannette Baldwin said the hall, which opened in 1992, was vital for many groups.

Mrs Baldwin, whose group has 30 patients and 14 volunteers, said: "It is a modern facility, completely flat, which is ideal for disabled groups.

"We feel the money saved by the council if this place is shut would be a drop in the ocean compared to its value for community groups.

"We should be doing more for disabled people, not less."

Stourport Town Council leader Reg Knott agreed it was vital the community centre remained in the district authority's hands.

He said: "I hope this stay of execution is granted and the council can find a way to maintain the community centre.

"I think the council's budget was desperation stakes. It was looking at various ways of saving money.

"But there are disabled groups and charities that use this centre and I know they want it kept open. I hope this is the start of the process where that will be the case."