A CHARITY providing a range of services for young people with disabilities is urgently looking for office space after being told to vacate its premises in east Durham.

Gateway North East was one of dozens of charities and community groups working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people who were told before Christmas to get out of Lee House by the New Year.

Tenants who had enjoyed rent-free premises through the charity Centric Community Projects for more than two years were later given an extension to stay at the Peterlee facility until January 21.

A number of organisations have yet to find alternative premises, while others are “calling it a day”.

Gateway North East chief executive Joanne Fearn said: “We are still in the building, but have nowhere to go and are urgently looking for office space around the North-East.

“We have ten people working in the office including a number of young people who have learning disabilities.

“During the holidays we have 50 young people with disabilities who work with us on our holiday scheme. It is vital that we find a place.

Mrs Fearn said: “We have looked at all sorts of places, but the rents are just phenomenal.

“We have been offered a building for £100,000 and told we can rent it if we commit to buying it, but we don’t have that kind of money. What we need is a miracle.”

“If worst comes to worse we will have to put everything into storage and run holiday schemes as best we can.”

Gateway North East has a Small Step approach to employment, training young people with disabilities to work with other young people and sports groups and holiday schemes across the region, providing respite care.

Centric Community Projects said it was granted the lease on Lee House in August 2013 by a landlord, who has not been named.

The basis of the agreement with the landlord, and consequently the occupiers, was that the use of the building was given on free on the condition that notice could be given to vacate within 30 days.

Centric was informed the landlord intends to sell the building because it does not fit their portfolio and because of the high cost of keeping the building.

Anyone who can help Gatesway North East should contact Mrs Fearn on 07878510312.