Artists have been forced to remove their works from The Gallery in Malvern after a hiccup over the lease.

But the co-operative says the move it just a temporary one and they will be relaunching themselves at the Worcester Road venue next month.

The Gallery's London-based landlords are due to surrender their 99-year lease later this month and say they need full access to the property to carry out repairs and refurbishment before it is returned to its owner.

The Gallery chairman, Brian Porter, said the group had already been in touch with the locally-based owner and agreed a five-year lease, which would give the venue a long-term future.

Meanwhile, The Gallery closed last Saturday and members have been removing their work.

"It's very frustrating," said Mr Porter. "But looking on the positive side, we are taking a lease for five years and it will give us a chance to reorganise and make it even better than it was."

Next month's relaunch will also give the group the chance to activate its new name, Malvern Hills Art and Crafts Guild.

"The takings are up about 40 per cent this year compared to the same period last year and with the reputation we have got now people are coming back lots and lots of times," said Mr Porter.

Scores of Malvern artists use the co-operative to showcase their work and it has also been the location for community work, such as workshops for children.

The decision to form a guild instead of a limited liability company was agreed last October, when members heard that it would allow savings in management costs.