The Age UK Waverley charity has objected that a "forced" move planned by Waverley Borough Council is a threat to its future.

The branch, based in Cranleigh, was opened by the council in 1992 to meet the needs of older people across the borough, and throughout that period many thousands of residents have benefited from advice and information for pensioners, as well as getting help with gardening and handyman services and access to day centres.

Branch trustees were "stunned" to receive a letter from Waverley leader Robert Knowles to say the council will stop funding its work locally – unless it splits from its shared premises with Rowleys older people's centre, which the charity views as its ideal location – and moves to Godalming.

The branch was originally urged by the council to move from Godalming to Cranleigh 10 years ago to save money.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.