The future of a community centre which supports older people in the Medway Towns has been secured for another year.

Council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) says he is “very optimistic” about the long-term prospects of the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) facility in Chatham.

This is following the national charity’s decision to match the £17,500 allocated to the hub in the authority’s budget, which will cover its cost for the full-year.

There were fears the centre, located in Chatham High Street, would be forced to close its doors if it could not secure the money needed to operate for the 2018/19 financial year.

Cllr David Brake (Con), portfolio holder for adults’ services, said discussions between Cllr Jarrett and RVS chief executive Catherine Johnstone had been fruitful.

He told cabinet members on Tuesday: “This is the beginning. Over the next 12 months, there is a need for those involved with RVS, those who signed the petition and Medway Council to work on a plan that gives much-needed sustainability.

“Yes, it is a challenge, and a challenge that collectively must be accepted if RVS is to continue across Medway.”

Discussions about a longer-term strategy will take place between the two parties in the coming weeks, although there is no suggestion Medway Council will provide any more grants to the centre.

A petition from centre volunteers and users, who have run a vocal and passionate campaign, was presented to Cllr Brake on Monday.

Cllr Jarrett added: “I fully respect your petition and the right for you to have a petition, but in actual fact it changed nothing because I had already pledged -and full council, through the Conservative group – had agreed we will work with the RVS to find a long-term solution for you.

“The responsibility of the continuation of the centre rests squarely with the RVS, not Medway Council. But it is for Medway Council to work in partnership with the RVS to see how we can do that.”

Cllr Andrew Mackness (Con) said he and fellow ward councillor Cllr Habib Tejan (Con) will both contribute £2,000 to the centre from their respective ward improvement funds next year as a “headstart”.

A vocal and passionate protest campaign has been organised since the announcement to cut council funding was made last December, although the centre was given a £17,500 “stay of execution” in February’s budget.

Up to 100 people visit the centre every week, with 80% of users being over the age of 75.

RVS suggests 96% of users now live the life they want to, while 95% said it provided more social contact they would otherwise have.

The national charity has provided £171,000 of funding over the last seven years, while centre volunteers raise £30,000 a year by running a cafe at the centre.