NO decision has been made over whether to extend a vital £3,000-a-month grant for a town centre homeless shelter facing 'daily challenges' to stay open.

The funding, which Warrington Borough Council provides to Room at the Inn (RATI), on Winmarleigh Street, is in place until April 30.

The Warrington Guardian understands members of the council's Labour group are split on whether the grant should be extended or cut.

A review into the arrangement has been taking place, with a decision due to be made imminently.

The authority said the Government has 'implemented changes' to the definition for mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation.

It means RATI will need to be inspected and have a licence by October 1 this year.

A council spokeswoman added: "At this time, no decision has been made about whether or not to extend the grant beyond April 30.

"A decision will be made and communicated to RATI shortly as the current agreement lapses on April 30.

"The review is ongoing and we understand that RATI are considering the actions that they need to take to continue to meet the requirements of the grant."

Centre manager Susan Blyth is again calling on the council to keep the funding in place.

She said: "RATI and the Y Project provide emergency night-time accommodation for people who would otherwise sleep rough.

"Our aim is to provide early intervention, accommodation and support to assist people who are homeless to lead more settled lives.

"In addition, we provide a daytime drop-in project for homeless, marginalised and isolated people seeking accommodation to develop action plans and ways forward, especially for people who are struggling.

"We are extremely busy and face daily challenges to ensure we raise enough funds to enable us to keep our doors open.

"It costs £400 per day to deliver our services.

"We hope the borough council will continue to make a contribution to RATI towards the work to provide emergency accommodation, in order to prevent rough sleeping for people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives."

A sponsored 'sleep out' will be held next month to raise funds for the shelter.

The event will take place in the garden at Friends Meeting House, from 8pm on May 12 to 9am the following day.

Participants must register beforehand and pay £10 to take part.

Last year’s event raised £7,000 for the shelter.

For a registration form e-mail ratiyproject@gmail.com.