A CHARITY set up in memory of a Hyndburn teenager maybe forced to close, it has been announced.

Bosses at Lauren’s Place, which was established to honour the life of Oswaldtwistle student Lauren Johnson, has seen a number of trustees step down recently.

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The 17-year-old fell to her death from Accrington’s Arndale Centre in Union Street in 2014.

Her mother, Dawn, set up the charity in her name and has since been offering free mental health therapy to 16 to 18-year-olds, something that Lauren was denied.

But the group may be forced to end its functions if no trustees come forward to help spread the workload.

In a statement to supporters on Facebook, a spokeswoman for Lauren’s Place, said: “Thank you so much for your support over the past few months, it means a great deal to us.

“However, due to recent events and changes at the charity, the future of Lauren’s Place is looking uncertain.

“Over the past six months, many of our trustees have stepped down for lots of reasons, and we are now down to the very minimum number of trustees we can have as a charity.

“We have appealed for new trustees over Facebook and through adverts with Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Community Voluntary Support but to date no-one has come forward. With the end of the Wellbeing Project in June, it’s s a good time to take stock and think about the future implications for the charity.

“Regrettably, if no new trustees come forward within the next two months or so, Lauren’s Place may have to close.

“Please consider if you would be able to help, or if you know of anyone who may be interested in getting involved as a trustee.”

Lauren, who was born in Burnley, attended Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and died in June two years ago.

Cllr Lisa Allen, who represents the St Oswalds ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “Obviously it is a shame that this could happen to Lauren’s Place if it’s just for want of trustees.

“I think it’s important that people in the community come forward and help out if they can, because Lauren’s Place do a great job in offering support for young people.”

To register support or to become a trustee visit facebook.com/Laurens-Place-295096940668311.