The North Mymms Youth and Community Centre - currently home to several local groups - could close unless fresh volunteers come forward to manage the site.

That is the warning issued by the management committee after members decided that unless younger members come forward the lease on the site will not be renewed.

The centre is currently used by several local organisations including a nursery group, a youth club, tai chi and judo classes, mothers and toddlers and senior citizens groups as well as a summer play scheme. It is also used at weekends for fund raising events and parties.

The decision not to renew the lease follows a meeting of the North Mymms Youth and Community Centre at which they prepared the following statement.

At the annual general meeting of the North Mymms Youth and Community Centre, it was decided that unless younger members come forward to join the management committee, a renewal of the lease, falling due in September 2003 would not be applied for.

The present committee has served for many years, some from the inception of the centre some 30 years ago and although the mind is willing, for some the body is not.

The centre is well used being the meeting place for the local nursery group, youth club, tai chi and judo classes, mothers and toddlers and senior citizens groups. Weekends are available for letting to local families and clubs for parties and fund raising. The summer play scheme is also run from the centre.

The committee, which consists of all volunteers, meets once a month and is concerned in the day-to day running of the building. They help in organising and running fund raising events and the time given depends on their own commitments.

Should the centre close it will be greatly missed and the plea for new committee members to prevent closure is crucial.

Anyone willing to help should contact the centre secretary by leaving a message on the answer phone 01707 260198, writing to the centre at its Station Road, Welham Green address or e-mail youth

August 10 2001