COMMUNITY groups are having to operate in cramped conditions after the closure of part of the Grange, a Victorian building in the centre of Malvern.

Malvern Hills District Council closed the upper floor of the building in Grange Road for “safety reasons” two weeks ago.

The Grange, next to Malvern Theatres, houses Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau, and provides wardrobe space for Malvern Theatre Players.

The closure of the first floor means Age UK and the CAB are having to share space on the ground floor, and the actors are moving their costumes out to premises elsewhere.

CAB manager Les Kinmond said: “It’s a bit cramped but we're managing.”

George Waugh, of Age UK, said: “It’s like fitting a quart into a pint pot, but we’ve set up shop on the ground floor and we won't let it interrupt the services we offer.”

Chris Bassett, manager of the players, said that until the move had been completed, the company could not operate its costume hire service.

This week, the council said it closed the upper floor following a fire risk assessment.

Councillor Paul Cumming said: “As owner of the building the council is taking action to ensure the health and safety of people using the Grange – this includes staff and visitors.

“We regret the inconvenience that this may cause to organisations that are based there but we are working with them to find solutions. The action we are taking means that the CAB and Age UK will, for the time being, share space which is open to the public, and we are working with the Malvern Theatre Players to find alternative accommodation for them.”

The council has so far not clarified the specific reason for the closure.