A service which has proved a lifeline for disabled people for more than 20 years could close if it cannot find a new home.

The Maidstone Resource Centre, which has been at the Royal British Legion Village’s Churchill Centre for 22 years, is having to find a new venue after its rent was increased.

The Leonard Cheshire Disability Charity, which runs it, says it cannot afford the new figure which comes into effect at the end of March.

It previously paid a subsidised rent for the building, which is leased by the Kent Community Health NHS Trust, but has a private landlord.

The organisation has sent out an urgent plea asking for help to find somewhere new to meet.

Roy Pratt, 67, has attended for 10 years. He has a hole in the heart and thrombophilia – a condition where blood is prone to clotting.

He said: “Going to the centre is an important part of the week and I look forward to it. If it closes, I will be left housebound and lonely.”

Angela Sibun, 56, has arthritis and has suffered a stroke. She started using the centre five weeks ago and said it has given a new lease of life.

“It gives my husband the chance to have some time by himself without worrying about me.
“If the centre closes, I would be back to staying in on my own, feeling depressed and cut off.”

A new site would need a drop-off area for disabled people and parking space, plus a wheelchair-suitable toilet.

“The location would need to accommodate 25 people. If a new accessible venue can’t be found it will struggle to survive,” said service manager Pia Rathje-Burton.

“The day centre is a very important part of the community and it would be a terrible loss if we closed it. This is our last chance to keep it open.”

It currently opens three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 3pm.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Pia Rathje-Burton on 01732 459510 or email pia.rathje-burton@leonardcheshire.org