CHEADLE’S Citizens Advice Bureau is appealing for help as it is still trying to find alternative premises to move into.
The CAB, along with Cheadle Army Cadets, were given notice to leave their premises in Harbourne Road, Cheadle, by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) as the site is planned to be re-developed into social housing by Ascent.
Both organisations had been hoping to move into the neighbouring town council offices, but Cheadle Town Council is still in negotiations to take over the building’s lease with the district council.
Meanwhile, they are looking at ways to save money in case they have to pay more in overhead costs for a new premises.
A spokesman from the CAB said: “We received information that says they will require us to leave between June and August.
“We have been able to restructure the staffing and by reducing staff hours and making some changes we are able to retain paid staff who wish to remain in post, albeit on reduced hours. Those changes will come in from April.
“It is very unsettling times for us at the moment and if anyone can offer any assistance it would be greatly appreciated.
“We have been looking at some premises within the town centre, but we need to be mindful of paying too much in overheads, as we don't want to be eating away at money that we should be spending on helping people.
“There are reserves, but once they have gone funding to replace them is more difficult to come by these days and those reserves should be used towards helping people, rather than paying for premises.”
The CAB has been in talks with a local businessman and Mark Forrester, head of communities, at SMDC, to see if alternative premises can be arranged.
The spokesman added: “We met with the owner of the old police station premises in High Street and he was able to offer us further accommodation.
“We are to continue our discussions and we await for information on what can be done to make the premises suitable, and of course the all important costs, but he has not yet come back with formal suggestions.
“We met with Mark Forrester on Tuesday, March 5, to see if they can help us. He will look into the viability of a number of possibilities including, but not exclusively: Cheadle Police Station, Cheadle Hospital, a portable cabin, local shops and Cheadle Youth Centre.
“He is also talking to those responsible for the Community Plan for Cheadle.
“We have emailed SMDC planning department and the agent for the developer, as the design and access statement on the planning application for the affordable housing states ‘alternative premises for both these occupiers will be sought prior to the site being developed’.
“We are aware that Ascent would like to start developing as soon as planning permission is granted, but we await any contact from planning or Ascent.”
A spokesman from Cheadle Army Cadets said that they are in the process of discussing extending their notice to leave with the district council.
He added: “At the moment we should be out by March 24 and this is under discussion. We are trying to find alternative premises.”
Councillor Sybil Ralphs, leader of the district council, said that there is “no way” the CAB or Army Cadets would be made “homeless”.
She said: “The notices are very flexible, no one will be turned out, we are rolling it from week to week.
“The intention is for them to go into the council offices when the town council takes them over, but at the end of the day we won’t see them homeless, we can always find an alternative.”
If anyone can help in any way contact the Post & Times on 01538 392235.
