A DROP-IN centre for homeless people in west Wiltshire has been saved from the axe following months of financial uncertainty.

Action on Homelessness, based in Duke Street, Trowbridge, has merged with Salisbury-based charity Alabare, to stave off a looming £60,000 funding deficit.

Two staff had to be axed for the merger to go ahead but charity officials believe their future is at last secured.

It was feared the end of a short-term lottery grant could bring about the closure of west Wiltshire's only drop-in centre until the merger was announced.

Details of the merger were released earlier this week, with Action on Homelessness' chief executive Marco Van Tintelen revealing his hopes for the future.

"There has been a lot of pressure on me and the employees so this news has been a tremendous relief," he said.

"Obviously seeing two people go is never easy as we are a committed team.

"The team from Alabare has been professional and sensitive, it was not any kind of dramatic takeover."

Mr Van Tintelen made an approach to Alabare as part of plans to save his west Wiltshire charity, with negotiations starting in September. A deal was finalised at Christmas.

"We found we were working on very similar lines and had a very similar ethos to Alabare. They were very pleased with the approach we made", said Mr Van Tintelen.

The news has been welcomed with relief around west Wiltshire with MP Dr Andrew Murrison among the centre's keenest supporters.

The shadow health minister attended an open day at the centre in December designed at drumming up financial backing.

Mr Van Tintelen said: "We are working hard to bring the service back to what it once was. Alabare has a very professional team of fundraisers. This news has had a positive reaction from all corners."

Alabare Christian Care has doubled in size within two years and now runs 25 projects in four counties including Hampshire, Somerset and Avon as well as all three Wiltshire drop-in centres.

In addition to providing hostels and day centres for homeless people, Alabare runs projects geared towards drug addicts, victims of domestic violence and people with disabilities or learning difficulties.

Alabare has submitted a bid for £152,000 worth of funding from the European Social Fund to help continue its work with the homeless.

cevry@newswilts.co.uk