A CHARITY’S offices were flooded by melting snow after thieves stripped lead from the roof.

The slates were removed over Christmas, and staff found damaged computers and files when they returned after the festive break.

Relate North-East, which offers counselling for couples with relationship problems, has had to close its office in West Crescent, Darlington, and staff are looking for a temporary office in the town to use while repairs are carried out.

Relate trustee Michael Wright said the closure came at the worst possible time because demand for the service is at its highest.

“January is our busiest time of year,” he said. “Often, after the Christmas holidays there are all kinds of tensions and difficulties which come to a head, and we get many more clients.

“People are having difficulty getting through on the phones at the moment. We want people to know that we are still here, we’re just having some difficulties and people need to be patient.

“We are working really hard to cope with the backlog.”

Charity staff and volunteers offer advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, and mediation in the office, over the phone or via the internet.

Counselling sessions will be held in Evolution’s premises, in Church Row, Darlington, but an office is needed to deal with phone calls from people wanting to make an appointment.

Mr Wright said the charity was appealing for anyone who had office space with enough room for three people to get in touch.

“We need to get a small office as soon as possible, so we can get the phones transferred,”

he said.

“Lead has been stolen from the roof and water is coming through.

“When staff and volunteers came back after the holiday, water was pouring in from the ceiling. We are desperate to find an office in the centre of Darlington.

“We are working to fix the roof and the scaffolding should be up soon, but it will take a bit of time yet.”

To offer the charity office space, call Mr Wright on 01642- 851919. Anyone with information about the lead thefts is asked to call police on 0345-60- 60-365.