MEMBERS of the public are being called on to help save a youth club on the brink of closure.

A decision will be made on the future of West Auckland’s Millbank Youth Club next week as committee members meet to discuss the viability of the centre.

It comes ahead of a move by Durham County Council to pull the plug on youth provision across the county, which will see youth workers at the centre, on Station Road, leave their posts on March 31.

Annette Donohue, club secretary, said: “I have been a youth worker for 30 years and have seen first hand how being involved in a youth club can change young lives, especially in deprived areas. I’ve witnessed people go to university, get great jobs and have seen families’ lives turned around. If that goes it will be an up hill struggle to get that back in the area. It’s vitally important we don’t lose that all together.”

Currently the centre is open four nights a week.

To run it at capacity costs £30,000 a year, but the committee is looking into the possibility of reducing sessions to two nights a week.

Councillors Rob Yorke and Christine Wilson have pledged a combined £5,000 to the centre, which would be match funded by West Auckland Parish Council, if it remains open. Along with the income from youngsters, standing at about £5,000 annually, the funds are understood to be enough to keep the club afloat for the remainder of the year.

Cllr Yorke said: “There are 200 users a week and we can’t afford for it to close. Me and Cllr Wilson are determined to keep it open and will leave no stone unturned to get as much funding as possible.”

However, Ms Donohue said while the team was “immensely” grateful for the pledge, it was feared it would only be a short term fix.

“It’s still vulnerable despite the councillors’ pledges,” added Ms Donohue. “The committee has still got to look at the long term plan. We don’t want to be in the position in six months’ time. The only way we can keep this open is if people come forward.”

The committee is appealing to anyone who can join the management or fundraising team, or those willing to help during youth club sessions.

Anyone who would like to register an interest taking part in the club should call 01388 833298 before the meeting on Tuesday.

Carole Payne, DCC head of children’s services, said: “Last year an extensive public consultation saw broad support for new, more targeted youth support services that will see money and resources directed to where they will be of greatest benefit from April 2017. I am delighted that Millbank is considering ways that they can continue to offer activities for young people.”