A LAST gasp meeting could save a closure-threatened community centre.

Hag Fold Community Centre User Group chairman Reg Holmes has warned locals the Atherton meeting place is doomed unless more helpers step forward.

Reg told The Journal:"Atherton people are being given the opportunity to run their community centre how they want - yet only a few people have shown any interest.

"Residents say there is nothing for children, young people, the elderly, lone parents.....but here is an opportunity for them to get what they want in their own neighbourhood but they are just not in interested!"

He said groups used the centre at a reasonable rent but didn't even bother to send representatives to meetings.

He warned:"Do they not realise if we do not find volunteers to help organise and run the centre it will close and they will have nowhere to go?

"The usual argument is 'I'm too old, too busy, too young or too tired', what they really mean is they don't care!"

He said some were trying hard to make the centre work but more interest was needed.

The centre is currently home to a play group, morris dancers, wine makers, bingo and soccer players, dancers and a youth club. It is also used for wedding receptions and parties.

The crucial meeting begins at 7.30pm on Monday, August 4 in the Dorset Road centre.

Mr Holmes urged volunteers to attend: "Don't ignore this last chance, you will only have yourselves to blame. I will have no regrets, will you?"

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