A CENTRE which has recently celebrated 25 years of service to the lonely and vulnerable has been told it must close.

The Bondgate Centre at the Methodist Church in Darlington runs a café where people can enjoy a healthy lunch at a cheap price.

Ran by a combination of paid staff and volunteers, the café serves as a community hub for the elderly who live alone and want to socialise with others.

However, shortly after the café celebrated its 25th anniversary, staff were told the centre must close at the end of August.

The decision was made by a church committee after the café saw a loss in money with no reserves to keep it afloat.

Long-time customers and staff have expressed their dismay at the closure, with many concerned for where they will now go.

Marjorie Allen, who has been going to the café since it was founded by her neighbour 25 years ago, said the café’s location on a bus route is central for those who struggle to travel.

She said: “This is not just a place to come in and eat. You come in and, whether you know anybody or not, people talk to you. The volunteers are most friendly and helpful. The kitchen staff have been coming for so long they just say hello when they see you. It’s a wonderful place and that’s what it’s all about, companionship and friendship.”

Similarly, for Peter Fowler, who lives alone with little family in the area, the café serves as a way to talk to others and have a substantial meal.

The 82-year-old said: “It’s the social aspect of the whole thing because it’s a reason for people on their own to get up, put their coat on and come outside.

“It’s easy when you live on your own to think ‘Oh I won’t bother I’ll just make do with a tin of soup’. Normally I would be sitting at home and eating by myself whereas coming here I’m never, ever alone.”

A member of staff said: “I’ve been here 5 years and the customers always take time out to ask how you’re doing. I’ve got a grandson due at the beginning of October and they brought in jumpers and cardigans that they’d knitted.

“It’s a shame, I mean where are they going to go? With this kind of atmosphere there is nowhere. A lot of these old people don’t want to go into a pub to get their meal. They can sit here for an hour or two hours and this is company for them, it gets them out the house.”

Revd Dr Andrew Stobart, former Chair of Bondgate Church Council said: “As times and circumstances change, the Church is not exempt from making difficult decisions. We have put off doing so for as long as was possible, but now, with deep sadness, we must make preparations to close the Centre.

“For 25 years the centre has been a sanctuary for many in our town. Those who have served and volunteered in it over the years are to be commended for the positive influence the centre has had on the lives of many.”

A leaflet from the committee containing a list of other lunch clubs in the area was handed out to customers and the café is expected to close Friday August 24.