A STOURBRIDGE coffee shop and counselling service could be forced to close unless fresh funding or investment can be found.

The Well in Stourbridge High Street has been not only a hub for coffee drinkers but a base for Christian ministry services in the town for more than 20 years.

But in the face of dwindling resources, the economic downturn and increased competition from other cafe outlets in the town - the coffee and book shop, which employs 12 people, may be facing the end of the road.

Director Roger Eames said the coffee shop is in need of a more contemporary makeover and the book shop has been hit by competition from internet retailers.

He said: “Unless a buyer can be found or fresh capital provided to refurbish the coffee shop the charity will have to close at some time within the next six to 12 months.

“We are in difficult and changing times and the needs of the local community are likely to increase rather than decrease in the future.”

The Well, a registered charity, has hosted a range of events in the past including Alpha courses, outreach dinners, men’s breakfasts, divorce recovery seminars, prayer breakfasts - and the centre has handed out thousands of care leaflets and individual gospels.

Many people have also been helped by the counselling service and pregnancy support service - run from the centre by the Stourton based Living Springs charity.

Mr Eames said: “Many others have also been helped on a more informal basis whilst the book shop has proved a great resource for individuals and churches alike.”

He added: “It has achieved what it set out to do but times have changed.

“The trustees acknowledge that a new format may well be the best way forward but without any additional financial support this will not be possible.

“We’re open to any new ideas and would like to hear from anybody who’s got a heart to work with people in need in the community and who could see a way - through money or time or working with charities and groups - to carry on that work.”

Mr Eames can be contacted on 01384 376546 or c/o The Well, 105 High Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EE.