AN AUTISM support group is stuck in limbo until the end of April.

Autism Angels has been using premises at 76 Bigg St, St Albans, as a meeting space for parents and carers of autistic children. But Brimbank council has regained control of the building and plans to turn it into a hall-for-hire.

Founder Despina Havelas said they had been told by council to wait for the advertisement in the local papers before the group could apply to use the space.

“It’s a waiting game, but we are keen to stay here,” Ms Havelas said.

Ms Havelas said the rent wasn’t as high on council-owned buildings.

“Commercial building rent is astronomical,” she said.

“The council knew we needed space and yet they sold off (a council-owned centre on) Rhodes St two months ago,” Ms Havelas said.

“They really should be supporting groups and helping groups,” she said.

The not-for-profit organisation supports struggling families that would have nowhere to turn to, if the group was shut down.

Brimbank City Council chief executive officer Nick Foa said that when the lease expired on 30 April, the building would be used for community purposes, following an expression of interest process, in which community groups might participate.

“If successful the Autism Angels will be able to hire the facility through council for use on the same basis as other successful community groups,” he said.

Mr Foa said there were eight leisure facilities and five neighbourhood houses in Brimbank, that could be utilised for groups such as Autism Angels.