Talking Newspaper volunteers are desperately seeking a new home after the charity was instructed to leave its office.

The Talking Newspaper, which has been providing a much-needed service for print and sight impaired people since 1975, sends weekly recordings of local news to residents of Elmbridge and Runnymede.

Jonathan Fisher, chairman of the Talking Newspaper, said: “This is a cruel blow. The room at The Orchard was ideal, with disabled access.

“The majority of our volunteers are retired and a number of them are disabled.

"We are following up every suggestion, but unfortunately every offer of accommodation we have received has not been suitable because of access or availability at the times needed”

In June, the charity was given notice to vacate its office space, after Runnymede Borough Council approved a proposal to move the council’s green spaces team into the Orchard.

The Talking Newspaper was first based in Weybridge Hospital, which was destroyed by fire in July of last year and offered a room at the Orchard Centre, where it resumed production in October.

The charity is now looking to move into a room in Walton, Weybridge, Addlestone or Chertsey of approximately 100 to 120 square feet with telephone and internet access.

A spokesman for Runnymede Borough Council said: “Runnymede Borough Council stepped in to support the Talking Newspaper almost a year ago by providing temporary space after the charity’s office at Weybridge Community Hospital was burnt down.

“It was made clear at this time that it could only be short-term support while the council looked at its future plans to use the Orchard.

“The initial agreement was until March but this was extended as the plans for the Orchard took slightly longer than expected to finalise. With the plans having been agreed in June, it is still probably a couple of months before the Talking Newspaper needs to leave the temporary office.

“Runnymede Borough Council remains committed to supporting the charity in its search for a home.

“For example, the council has put the charity in touch with potential venues and has asked Voluntary Support North Surrey as well as other local not-for-profit organisations about the assistance they could provide.”

“The council is also exploring options for potential financial support as a lack of funding is at the heart of why the Talking Newspaper cannot find suitable office space”.