�A community centre on the brink of closure urgently needs new volunteers if it is to survive.

The facility on the Loraine Estate off Holloway Road, Holloway, has been struggling along with just five volunteer committee members – the minimum number it needs to stay open – for the past four years.

It has left a huge burden on the remaining volunteers and chairperson Ros Warmington is no longer able to continue in the role on top of the demands of being single mum in the process of setting up her own business.

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She would consider remaining on the committee if more help is found, but without the core number of volunteers the centre would be forced to close and handed back to Homes for Islington. It is feared that the centre would then be lost for community use for good.

Ms Warmington, who took on the role in the face of a similar closure threat back in 2007, said it is too much work for the committee to organise events and that there has been a lack of interest from the community in the facility, resulting in the number of groups using it dwindling significantly.

She said: “We used to put on community events, we had a Christmas event and a summer event but the committee has become so small it is too much work for us. But when it works, it is so rewarding, and we really want to keep it open.

“It’s a catch 22 situation, we know if more stuff was going on more people would be attracted but we’re just in a position where we haven’t got any more to give. If people really want it to stay they have to step up to the mark.”

She added: “Come along and get involved in the community. We’ve got people on the committee that have said it has really helped them and changed their lives getting to know people on the estate. It’s not a huge amount of work if there are enough of us – a little goes a long way.”

An HfI spokesman said: “We share Ros’ frustrations about volunteers and have helped leaflet the estate and parts of the surrounding area to encourage people to come forward.”

Potential volunteers from the estate and the surrounding area are urged to come along to Monday’s AGM at the centre at 6.30pm or email roswarmi@yahoo.co.uk.