A DANCE school for people with learning disabilities is facing the jarring prospect of moving out of its Banbury home after 25 years because it has failed to come to an agreement on rents.

Internationally-known troupe Anjali Dance Company has launched a frantic search for a new home as it prepares to leave The Mill Arts Centre.

The charity, which exists entirely on grant funding and donations, can no longer afford its office rent and studio hire charges as the level of subsidy it receives from the centre is to be reduced.

Nicole Thomson, Anjali's founder and artistic director, said: "This is a difficult time for us.

"We are able to keep working while we find other premises but having to move out of The Mill is a major disruption to our activities."

The change has come about as The Mill, which is now an indepedent charity, and Anjali have been unable to agree the terms of a new lease.

The dance group is now looking for both a new base and a new partner organisation to work with.

It needs to find a new local premises from the start of April while weekly classes are being temporarily held at the Banbury Style Acre hub.

During its 25 years at The Mill, Anjali has taught regular dance classes for people of all ages with learning disabilities.

Dancers performed at the opening of the theatre in 1992 in front of the Duchess of Gloucester and were introduced to the Queen when she visited Banbury in 2008.

They have also performed at the Royal Opera House in London and at Sadler's Wells, and danced at the flame-lighting ceremony of the 2012 London Paralympics.

Ms Thomson said: "All our work has been done at The Mill and it is a great pity to have to leave, particularly at a point where we have such exciting plans for the future.

"We set up the UK's first learning-disabled dance company here and our recognition and achievements in disabled performing arts in the UK and abroad must have greatly enhanced The Mill’s reputation.

"This seems to be all about money, but there are some things you can't put a price on."

Until now Anjali had been charged £6,000 a year by The Mill, but would have had to stump up much more to stay on.

Standard use of The Mill's office accommodation, dance studio and services costs £34,725 a year, with standard discounts for community users and long-term hirers reducing this to £18,437.

The Mill spokesman Rhys Hopkin said: "The Mill is unable to continue subsidy at the previous level as we move through a new phase of operation as a charitable incorporated organisation.

"Over a period of time and after several meetings with Anjali representatives, Anjali were offered several alternative new terms which we hoped would meet their needs."

Anjali was eventually offered a maximum use of the dance studio for three days a week and 32 weeks a year at a charge of £16,153.

Mr Hopkin added: "Each of our offers were framed in an attempt to meet Anjali’s stated needs and each has been rejected.

"We very much hope that Anjali’s trustees will be able to find alternative accommodation within a reasonable travel distance for the dancers who we understand pay for their training and are located in various parts of the UK."