A temporary "split site" solution has been found to keep the Red Cross Medical Loans Service going in Ledbury.

Two more permanent sites are also under serious investigation.

The service was forced to move out of the St John Ambulance building, off the Southend, because it was due to be sold.

But the service organiser for Ledbury, Ron Collins, of Haffield Lodge, off Gloucester Road, stressed this week: "We are still up and running."

As a temporary measure, Herefordshire Council is allowing the service to store and distribute equipment from under the stairway in the foyer of its St Katherine's offices.

Mr Collins has managed to store three wheelchairs and one commode there but a further 13 wheelchairs and seven commodes are in his own garage.

One idea still being discussed with Herefordshire Council is to have a dedicated room in the unused section of the Master's House, off St Katherine's car park.

The other is to find space in the Red Cross Shop, in New Street.

This idea came from Sue Hawkins, the medical loans service co-ordinator for the three counties, but Mr Collins said: "There are some safety issues, such as pushing stuff through the shop.

"Then there is the sterilisation of commodes. There's nowhere to do that."

Herefordshire Council is already looking at the Master's House site as a new location for Ledbury Library and the Tourist Information Centre.

With development of the medieval building being planned, indications are that the medical loans service might only be allowed to have a room there for 12 to 18 months.