A POPULAR social enterprise which offers homeless people a route back into work and training is set to move out of their town centre home because of a lack of cash.

GO4 Enterprises has been based at Holy Trinity Church in Colchester for four-and-a-half years, but has now given notice into Colchester Council which owns the building. It plans to move out at the end of the month.

The group offers a Pay it Forward scheme, which allows customers to the GO4 Market Café to pay extra for a cooked breakfast in order for a homeless person to have one as well.

The scheme will continue to be offered at the Café on the Rec at the Old Heath Recreation Ground – another premises which the charity runs.

A statement from GO4 bosses said: “The decision, based on commercial considerations, revenue and cash flow projections, was taken after much deliberation by the directors.

“We thank the council for allowing us the opportunity to attempt to establish a self-sustaining and vibrant social enterprise in one of Colchester’s iconic buildings, and for a good working relationship.

“In order to stay we have recently consulted various agencies across the town as well as having previous conversations with other groups which share a common vision to work with marginalised people.

“GO4 has been unable to forge any partnerships in sharing or taking over the commitment of refurbishing Holy Trinity Church in order for it to be continued to be used for social, community or charitable aims.

“We wish the council well in finding tenants who can make the substantial commitment of improving the building.

“At the end of August all our activities including the Pay it Forward scheme will transfer to our other café at Old Heath Recreation Park, whilst we explore other opportunities within Colchester and also out of the borough.

“We thank our customers, staff and volunteers for their hard work and incredible support over the years.”

In November last year, GO4 boss Pete Hope hit out at Colchester Council over a perceived lack of support for the enterprise but council chiefs denied there was any agenda against the group.

He also claimed his group was being overlooked for vital funding grants by the council.

A month later, Mr Hope revealed the market and cafe was being forced to go part time during the winter because the building was simply too cold for people to use on a day-to-day basis but confirmed the relationship with the council had improved dramatically since the public spat.

As well as homeless people, GO4 helps other marginalised groups, such as those recently released from prison and people with low skills.