An under-threat community centre which supports older people in Medway could move from Chatham to Brompton in a bid to survive.

The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is currently devising a business case for the property, which would house the popular drop-in centre and café – both of which have been a fixture in the Towns for eight years.

Officials say RVS is unable to afford the rent for its current site in Chatham High Street following Medway Council’s decision to stop financially supporting the centre from March 2019.

Although council papers for a scrutiny meeting last night suggested the likelihood of securing a new premises was “increasingly low”, it was confirmed negotiations are taking place for a site in Brompton.

Justine Henderson, the council’s interim head of adults, said: “At the time of writing this report, there were very limited property opportunities that were becoming available. However, since that time, RVS has identified one.

“They are currently developing a business case for it and are taking it through their internal procedures. It is looking very positive at this time – I cannot elaborate too much more on it.

“If it does go through and it is deemed acceptable, RVS will be seeking to fundraise the capital funding needed to take that forward. That is looking quite favourable at the moment in terms of RVS’ sustainability.”

Medway Council has agreed to support RVS in finding a new site to provide its services, but 45 of the 47 properties identified were discounted due to issues with cost, size or accessibility.

The other two were leased to other organisations before any deal could be struck.

As part of the changes, the centre will also need to move towards a volunteer-led model of delivery – essentially making offers of help more formalised – something existing supporters are unwilling to be a part of.

Cllr Teresa Murray (Lab) added: “I don’t think the volunteers are going to come from the people who (currently) use the RVS service.

“They are happy to help and roll their sleeves up, but they don’t want that consistent commitment at this time in their lives.

“That programme needs to be refreshed, and if there are going to be volunteers, they need to perhaps come from different sources – even maybe interns. Younger people need to be involved in this important work regarding social isolation.”

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 over the age of 75.