WINCHESTER'S citizens' advice bureau might have to look for a new HQ unless more money can be found to finance its current home.

That was the warning from Jenny Meadows, who manages the bureau's offices in St George's Street.

Speaking at a meeting of the Winchester Town Forum, she said the bureau was grateful for the £127,000 it received from the city council each year, but the figure had remained static for the past four years.

However, during that time the organisation's bills had increased.

Among the rising costs, she said, was the rent at The Winchester Centre in St George's Street, which is home to the bureau and other groups.

"I'm giving you notice that your constituents might not be able to find us there any more, because we won't be able to afford to live there."

Ms Meadows added that its present home was well suited to the organisation, but alternative offices in Winchester might have to be found to make savings.

She said the organisation, which is a registered charity, dealt with 14,000 enquiries in the district last year.

Of those, 25 per cent were about debts, with roughly the same number focusing on welfare and benefits.

Nine part-time staff, along with around 70 trained volunteers handled the queries, the forum heard.

Ms Meadows said its advice was confidential, free, impartial and independent.

She added that Government leaflets often advised residents to see the bureau about problems, even though the charity receives no funding from Westminster.

The Winchester bureau struggles to secure additional funding because the district is seen as wealthy.

She asked forum members to urge all their city council colleagues to make more funding available.