by Jess Banham

A recycling centre that has raised more than half a million pounds for charity over the last 20 years could close after its application for funding was rejected.

Kent Community Recycling in Hawkinge near Folkestone is a not-for-profit organisation founded by volunteers.

It pays recyclers for their materials and people can then choose to keep the money or donate it to local charities.

In the 22 years it has been open, it has raised more than £600,000 for charities and local causes.

But last year the centre stopped getting funding from KCC as it could not meet its requirements to separate materials received from schools and businesses and now it needs to raise £35,000 to stay open.

It has applied to Shepway District Council for funding but after six months, the local authority refused to give bosses any financial assistance.

KCR's founder Mark Wyatt said: "Saying we are disappointed with the news from Shepway council is an under statement. It has left us in a crisis situation.

"To survive we need help - and we need it now! We are also looking for corporate and personal sponsorship in order to survive. We have had a lot of support from the Channel Chamber of Commerce and for this we are very grateful.

"We have approached our MP Damian Collins , but are waiting to hear what he can do to help us."

The jobs of two permanent members of staff are also at risk if the money cannot be raised.

A Shepway Council Spokesman said: "We do appreciate all the work Mr Wyatt has done over the years to promote and encourage recycling.

"Although we have explained to Mr Wyatt that we do not have a specific budget to provide grants to either private businesses or to community interest companies like KCR, we did agree to look at his business plan to see if there was any way we could help him.

"Unfortunately his business plan does not specify any income or other sources of funding that might help support his organisation, and we are not convinced that a one-off payment from us would lead to KCR's long-term future."