THIS week, the Haven House Foundation has had a massive blow.

Despite having caught the imagination and hearts of local people, businesses and celebrities alike, the children's hospice charity is now facing the daunting prospect of being evicted from its premises.

Although Haven House has already raised a staggering £270,000, the charity is unable to pay the extra £280,000 needed for the lease of the White House in Woodford Green.

Waltham Forest Council has refused to give the charity any more leeway, and says it has to be treated like any other business interest.

But surely, with so much already having been raised, and the backing of the community, the council could give a little extra time.

Within hours of the news, celebrities including Patsy Palmer, Ray Winstone and Glenn Murphy pledged their backing and joined the campaign to protect the hospice. Why is it that they can see the worth and a council whose residents' children will be helped by the hospice can't?

Haven House has put forward a proposal to pay for the 60-year lease over the next three years, but the council has refused.

If a hospice can't be provided by local councils or the government, then surely a charity should be getting all the help it deserves.

Not, in seems, in this mad country.