The future of Community House in Wisbech has been secured for another year thanks to support from Clarion Housing Group – the recently formed association that includes both Circle and Roddons Housing.

It means the house in Southwell Road will continue to provide a range of services for another full year while Fenland Council explores long-term funding options.

Clarion Housing Group has offered to fund the house’s “Job Club” service over the next financial year.

The service is focused on helping people off benefits and into work. It involves a programme of community-based activities designed to increase local residents’ skills and confidence and help them make the most of opportunities for training and volunteering.

Funding the council had previously secured from the Department of Work and Pensions has kept the house open over the past year.

Councillor Mike Cornwell, Cabinet member for communities, said: “We’re delighted that Clarion has come in to help fund the service for next year. It’s a great vote of confidence in the value of the work that’s done at Community House.

“The fact that we have succeeded in gaining this grant could also help us secure further funding from other sources in the future.”

Phil Miles, director of community investment at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are pleased to support Job Club to remain open for an additional 12 months and hope the council will be able to attract further funding to ensure its long-term future.”