STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James is imploring church bosses to rethink their refusal to allow access through their car park to enable a charity to continue its vital work for the elderly.

Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen has been hit hard by roadworks which have been taking place near the charity's Elton Centre base, off St John's Road, since January.

Repair works by Network Rail to the railway bridge in Parkfield Road have blocked off an access route to the charity's base which provides lunch, activities and advice for the over 50s and serves as a drop-in cafe for passing members of the public.

The charity's only hope for alternative access to the site was to use the car park of the former St John's United Reformed Church, off the ring road.

But bosses for the church, which closed 12 months ago, have refused all requests to permit access.

Stourbridge MP Margot James said: “I am very disappointed that the owners of the former St John’s United Reformed church have refused to work with such an important charity that provides vital services to people who are elderly or have disabilities.

"The charity often works with individuals who have severely limited mobility, so it is imperative that they can maintain accessibility. By turning down their request, this church is preventing elderly people from getting access to services which they desperately need. I implore them to think again."

Age Concern chiefs say the lack of access has grossly undermined their ability to continue to offer services while the bridge replacement works are taking place - as the nearest public car parks are located some distance away in Church Street and Birmingham Street.

Rev Steven Faber, moderator of the United Reformed Church’s West Midlands Synod, said: "We are saddened to hear that as a result, Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen is having difficulties with vehicular access to their building."

But he said the church grounds had been closed "for health and safety reasons" and he added: "We have a duty of care to protect anyone using it and do not have adequate resources or sufficient liability cover from our insurers to enable the access requested.

"We, therefore, are very sorry that we cannot accommodate the request made by Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen, and Margot James MP.

"Although we appreciate the work to the bridge is essential, we hope discussions can be held between the charity, the MP and Network Rail, to find a resolution giving Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen the access they require."

The work is expected to be complete by May 8.

In the meantime, Age Concern bosses say they will continue to provide services at the Elton Centre, which is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, for those still able to get to it.

For more information on services available or advice on how to get to the centre during the closure call 01384 390065.

The charity, which has been going for more than 40 years, is also seeking new trustees from a variety of backgrounds as plans progress for a raft of new initiatives over the coming months and years.

Appointments are for three years with a commitment to attend between six and 12 meetings a year.

Trustee posts are unpaid but reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed - and training will be given.

For more details call chief officer Dionne Legge or company secretary Brian Mitchell on 01384 390065 or email dionnelegge@acstourbridge.plus.com or brianmitchell@acstourbridge.plus.com.

The charity is also looking to sell catering standard kitchen equipment from its former Mary Stevens Centre base which had to close due to funding cuts.

Dionne said: "It would be perfect for someone setting up and obviously a lot cheaper than buying brand new. Items include a commercial gas range cooker, pass through steriliser, stainless work stations etc."

Anyone interested can contact Dionne via the details above.