A WIRRAL charity faces being taken to court over allegations it owes tens of thousands of pounds in unpaid rent.

Leasowe Development Trust (LDT) is understood to be seeking to recover the money from the Learning and Well-Being Centre.

LDT is chaired by local Labour councillor Ron Abbey, and the dispute is over rent for space at the Millennium Centre where the Well-Being Centre – the former Women's Centre – offers educational courses, nursery provision and other community facilities.

The Well-Being Centre is a registered charity, and lists its main objectives as “Education, Training and Health Promotion”, also providing two fully-equipped gyms and two experienced members of staff to guide and advise people on healthier lifestyles, weight management and personal training.

No-one from the Well-Being Centre would comment on the possible legal action, but it is believed they feel their rent has been increased unfairly.

Cllr Ron Abbey, chair of LDT, said they are considering "all options" over the disputed rent, and said negotiations were still ongoing, so he could not comment either way about legal action.

Leasowe Development Trust is a not-for-profit organisation serving the people of Leasowe and offering a wide range of services at the Millennium Centre.

Cllr Abbey added: "The trust board will have to make a decision on it".

However, he said: "Every option is open to the trust board. Any debts that are due and outstanding will be pursued by the board."

It is believed the claim could be for up to £48,000 of unpaid rent which is at the centre of the wrangle between the LDT and the Well-Being Centre.

Cllr Abbey refused comment on how much LDT believes it is owed, saying the amount is still in dispute.