A CHARITY threatened with closure after being handed a £3,000 rent bill has won a reprieve.

In February, Castle Point Council told the Phoenix Club it owed the cash for the use of the Paddocks community centre in Long Road, Canvey.

Trustees said the move could threaten the future of the cash-strapped club, which holds twice weekly meetings as well as a monthly disco and a Christmas party for people with mental and physical disabilities.

However, Tory Canvey councillor Ray Howard intervened and arranged talks between the club and Paddocks owner, Castle Point Council.

The council has now agreed to reduce the amount owed to around £800 and has agreed to hold off charging the club for three months.

Donations have also been flooding in and it looks like the club is safe - for this year at least.

Richard Boyd, club trustee and chief executive of Disability Essex, said: "It is a fabulous charity that helps 160 people every week.

"It has been heartwarming to see the enormous public support for the club."

Mr Boyd said: "Eddy has been for years almost the only fundraiser and the council have never given him a penny.

"I am of the opinion that you should help charity but Castle Point council officers seem to come to the other conclusion. I think the new agreement is as a result of senior councillors' intervention."

Mr Howard who helped set up negotiations between the club and the council said it was excellent news.

He said: "I am pleased this matter has been resolved.

"The club does sterling work in the community."

Staff at the Royal Bank of Scotland credit card centre on the A127 in Westcliff can pay a pound to work in casual dress on Fridays.

On Wednesday, staff handed £500 raised from to club founder and fundraiser Eddy Stacy who can often be found dressed as a clown collecting donations from the public in south Essex.