Voluntary groups face losing their base to new free school

More than 20 voluntary groups fear they are to be moved out of a building to make way for a new free school.

Hammersmith and Fulham council has announced proposals to sell four-storey Palingswick House, with the aim of finding a home for the West London Free School.

But the building, a former Victorian boarding school, is home to voluntary groups, including those that work with Kurdish refugees and the homeless.

If the site is sold they would all have to apply for space in three new "community hubs" and share facilities.

A spokeswoman for the council said it needed to sell buildings to reduce its £133 million debt.

Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "It is my view that local people would rather the site was returned to its former use as a school serving the local community than for residential development."

The West London Free School, spearheaded by writer Toby Young, will be the first free school for secondary school age children when it opens in September.

Parents in west London have clubbed together to create the school, which will feature compulsory Latin.

Young said: "Palingswick House would make an ideal permanent home for the West London Free School. We're absolutely delighted that the council is being so supportive."