THE bid to save the Central Club has until Christmas before the council says it will need to sell off the land.

Campaigners have fought for years to bring the former community centre back into use as a venue for youth groups and cultural events after it first closed a decade ago.

But despite their efforts, the fundraising has not managed to collect enough to secure the London Street site's future.

Now, as Reading Borough Council contemplates its difficult financial position, leaders have given until the end of the year before it faces being sold.

Council leader Cllr Jo Lovelock said: "This is the last chance really for it to be offered to the voluntary sector.

"If that does not work by Christmas then we will have to look at disposing of the site.

"But the key is to keep the mural - whatever the proposal, whether it is the voluntary sector or if it is sold on the open market we will be requiring the mural to be retained."

It is estimated the cost of works to repair and renovate the building could exceed £1,000,000.

Keeping the mural in place is also expected to cost around £100,000 if a developer seeks to build a new premise in place of the club.

The council had previously agreed to hold aside £220,000 to match fund any community donations but following ongoing budget pressures it has limited this offer until December.

Over the next five months non-profit groups are being encouraged to bid for the freehold or leasehold, with applications set to open on August 1 if the plan is approved by the policy committee next week.

Cllr Tony Page, deputy leader, described the move as "one final throw of the dice".