A CHARITY that helps thousands of people across Castle Point insists it is not in immediate danger of closing, despite fears over funding.

Castle Point’s Citizens Advice Bureau, in Kiln Road, Thundersley, which provides support and advice, has faced financial difficulties for years.

The charity has long relied on donations from the public and grants from organisations, including Castle Point Council.

A volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said: “I’m really worried about my job, they’re cutting everything back.

“I don’t know what’s going on. We’ve been told it’s uncertain and there’s a problem with funding from the council.

“I’m a volunteer and it’s one of the only things I do.

“I’m worried in case it goes.

We’ve been told they’re not sure they’re going to continue.

It’s in dire straits, I’m really worried.

“It helps so many people, so where are they going to go?”

However, Joe Cooke, a trustee of the charity for 20 years, insisted there was no immediate threat to the service’s future, although he admitted finances remained an ongoing problem. He said: “We’ve just had a trustees board meeting and closing down is not the case.

“There’s no imminent fear to my knowledge, but there is an ongoing struggle to make ends meet and the need for the public’s continued support.”

Treasurer Ken Payne said he hoped the charity would continue for at least two years. He said: “All things being well, we will break even this year and maybe have a couple of thousand in front, and the same for next year.

“We could be in better health, but we are not going anywhere.”

The service has reduced its opening hours in the past few months to save money.

A Castle Point Council spokeswoman, speaking on behalf of the council and the bureau, said funding had been agreed for the year.

The service receives core funding of £58,500 from Castle Point Council in two instalments, with the second paid in September.

An extra donation of £7,000 is expected to be awarded later this year.