A CHARITY put in financial crisis by broken council promises is on the verge of being saved.

Lewisham Council documents leaked to News Shopper show during a private meeting in February, the mayor and cabinet were recommended to give youth service Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) £47,000.

However, no decision has yet been made, leaving PMA unsure of its future.

The Deptford-based youth service, which works with excluded youngsters and helps them gain work or pass exams, needs cash to clear rent arrears and other costs.

PMA says when the group started in 1996 council officers promised to support the service until 2001 by paying for rent and property running costs for its base at Deptford High Street.

But the promises were never kept and the service struggled by with ever mounting rent arrears and costs.

Leaked council papers reveal officers who have now left the council pledged to support the charity but funding was never provided.

It concludes pursing PMA through the courts for the money would force the charity into bankruptcyand closure.

So officers recommended the mayor and cabinet voted through £47,137 of funding to clear past debts and cover rent for this year.

Sandra Longville, co-founder and centre manager, was surprised to hear PMA's finances were being discussed as the group had been trying to arrange a meeting with the council for six years.

She added: "We're very pleased they're considering this.

"It has taken such a long time but we're getting there in the end.

"This could mean PMA has a long-term future and can operate at full capacity for more potentially excluded young people."

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock said: "The decision is currently under consideration.

"We are committed to supporting all our community partners and value the services they provide in the borough.

"If issues affecting these organisations arise and are brought to our attention, we work closely with them and provide support wherever possible."