A charity providing support and working opportunities to some of Sutton's most vulnerable residents faces closure.

The Vine Project (TVP), that runs a number of community projects, including providing refurbished and recycled furniture to low income households, is one of the biggest employers of volunteers in Sutton.

It has provided work for some 180 disabled residents and people with learning difficulties in Sutton and neighbouring boroughs in the past three years.

The organisation also provides services in Epsom and Ewell, Merton and Croydon and Wandsworth.

But its chief executive, Monica Tyler, said the organisation, now based in Mitcham, but started in Sutton 12 years ago, would be forced to close at the end of the month unless it can find £40,000.

It was hoping to receive £250,000 in total funding over 18 months through a funding stream from the London Waste Recycling Board (LWRB).

TVP has to apply for the money through umbrella group London Community Resource Network(LCRN).

But a legal agreement allowing the first tranche of funding for LCRN from LWRB to be released is only likely to be agreed in the next few days.

It is unclear if the process for LVP to now succesfully apply for money can be succesful in time to keep the charity operational.

The charity, based in Mitcham, had expected to receive funding in November.

It is now appealing to local benefactors and businesses for donations to help it stay open.