An award-winning community information shop which has helped thousands of residents could close in a matter of weeks.

The shop in Cluny Square has played a major role in the regeneration of the rundown part of Southchurch ward, with more than 8,000 people using at least one of the services it provides last year.

But funding for the shop runs out in March and unless a new source of cash can be found the centre will be forced to close its doors for good.

Most of the services at the council-funded shop are designed to help people back into work by either finding them jobs or offering them guidance on courses they can take to increase their chances of employment.

Community information officer Ian Falconer said closing the shop would be a massive blow to the regeneration of the area.

He said: "Although we knew that the funding would run out this year, we have always hoped that something could be done to keep us open."

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