THE Citizens Advice Bureau will remain in Harwich and Manningtree thanks to businesses who stepped in to save the day.

Fears had been raised the charity would be forced to withdraw from the towns due to funding cuts.

Sparling, Benham and Brough solicitors has offered the charity free office space at its branch in High Street, Manningtree.

Harwich Connexions has signed over use of its tourist information centre on a site owned by Morrisons supermarket.

Linda Isaac, chief executive officer of Tendring Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “Harwich Connexions has given us the former Tourist Information Centre demountable building and Morrisons is allowing it to remain on its site at a peppercorn rent.

“Sparling, Benham and Brough is generously providing us with rent-free accommodation, which means we have a base in Manningtree for our outreach work there.

“This is great news for the residents who will continue to receive our much-needed services on their doorstep.”

The Citizens Advice Bureau in Main Road, Harwich will close in March this year.

The charity has appealed for help to revamp its new home, which has been vacant since Harwich Connexions closed.

Mrs Issac said: “We would ask anyone who can help with materials or labour to get in touch with us.

“We have been very fortunate so far, but help will make all the difference.”

To help with alterations to the demountable building, call 01255 436464.

l Citizens Advice Bureau Tendring has passed an interim quality of advice review, which it had previously failed.

Peter Halliday, deputy leader of Tendring Council, said: “It is excellent news for the bureau. I congratulate them wholeheartedly on this success.”