A CHARITY that supports unpaid carers throughout the borough needs to find thousands of pounds to finish renovating its Brierley Hill base.

Work has been ongoing since INSIGHT moved into the Pearson Street building two years ago but the charity, which also runs a specialist play project for children with disabilities and special needs, does not have the cash to complete the job.

The delay has led to the closure of the coffee shop, which is the charity's main source of income, generating around £500 per week.

Project co-ordinator, Loraine Stockton, said the charity, which supports hundreds of families across Dudley, is still running its services from the building by using the function room but getting the coffee shop back open is a priority.

She said the work that needs doing includes brickwork, flooring and plastering, roof repairs and electrics.

Finding the cash to purchase the required materials is the main issue and the charity has appealed for any local building companies to come forward if they are willing to help.

Mrs Stockton explained the charity had chose the building as it is in the heart of Brierley Hill and despite its state of disrepair, it was felt it was the ideal location to serve the borough.

Hopes are pinned on financial support from the neighbouring Asda store in Brierley Hill, which often helps the charity with fundraising activities.

Store manager, Martin Overton, said that the store had put in a funding request to Asda Foundation, which supports community charities but said he had not received any confirmation to date.

Mrs Stockton added: "Once the funding is in place, it will hopefully take around six months to get everything done. It will be a fantastic community centre, which would be here for everybody to use."

Anyone that is able to make a donation to help the project move forward, should contact Mrs Stockton on 01384 483708.