A COMMUNITY centre could be forced to close unless it finds new members.

The association running Old Boat Corner Community Centre in Hollingbury, Brighton, needs to find a new chair and treasurer among other committee members.

It is asking people willing to join the committee to come forward before its annual general meeting at the centre at 7.30pm on Monday.

Liz Clift, the current chairwoman, said: “We desperately need new volunteers to come forward to keep this wonderful facility open – a few hours a month is all that's required.”

Ms Clift and the treasurer, Julie Drake, are resigning after many years of voluntary service on the committee.

To join the committee people must live in Hollingbury, Coldean or Patcham and be, or willing to become, a member of the association.

Full training will be provided for the roles.

Councillor for Patcham ward, Conservative Group Leader Geoffrey Theobald, holds a monthly ward surgery at the centre.

Coun Theobald said “It is such a great community resource for people of all ages, especially youngsters. There is no other resource like it in the whole of Hollingbury.

“I call on anyone who thinks they could help by joining the committee to get in contact and encourage as many people as possible to come to the AGM.”

Groups who use the centre include Carden Tots - a weekday morning drop in playgroup for carers and their toddlers.

Helen Lawrance, 46, playroom supervisor for Carden Tots said: “If the centre closed we would probably have to move out of the area.”

Lisa Alder, 24, of Orchid View, Hollingbury who goes with her 14-month-old son Kobe said: “If it wasn't here my son would have nowhere to socialise in the area for his age group.”

The Guide Association uses the centre for Rainbows, Brownies and Guides while the centre also hosts various sports and craft groups and a youth club.

Lee Banks, of Carden Avenue, Hollingbury, whose boys Max, 13, and Aidan, four, go to karate said: “I would miss the community spirit if it was not here. The children would lose out more than anyone else.”

Closure would also affect those who book the centre at weekends for children's parties, wedding receptions and other events.

Claire Irvine, 35, of Upper Lewes Road, with her 21-month-old son Jonah at Carden Tots, said: “It would be a big loss if it didn't go on anymore.”

Yvette Lucas, the office manager for the centre said: “We already have bookings for parties and wedding receptions next year.”

Anyone interested in joining the committee should sign the notice at the centre or call 01273 540779.