EXTRA support could soon be available for the town's homeless and the wider community if a Bromsgrove church can secure permission for an ambitious refurbishment.

Bromsgrove Baptist Church wants to create a new disabled access and revamp its downstairs rooms.

Church leaders need at least £40,000 for the scheme, which they hope to secure from charitable organisations and plans are now lodged with Bromsgrove District Council for consideration.

Although the venue is already a base for many local groups, the lower rooms are currently not in use.

It's hoped that once they have a fresh lick of paint and are remodelled, the town's Homeless Forum will be able to meet there.

The charity helps people who are at risk of becoming homeless, people without permanent accommodation and helps those seeking and settling into new homes.

The Rev Howard Heyburn has been a minister at the New Road church for four years and said the charity for the homeless will be invited to pay a peppercorn rent.

"I'm delighted the church has the opportunity to help those who are disadvantaged in the community," he told the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger.