A CENTRE for elderly and vulnerable people forced to close because of a lack of cash is struggling to reopen and appealing for help.

A special Christmas Fayre and lunch is being held by Dales Care in Bedale for supporters on December 6 but trustees say they are no closer to getting it reopened on a full time basis.

The centre which has offered daytime help and care for vulnerable and elderly people in the area for the past 25 years closed in September. Regular attenders, some over 100 years old said it was a ‘bombshell’.

One elderly supporter said:“We are all still hoping it can reopen, it’s very sad because some people used to go most days and it’s a real lifeline for many older people, it’s not just the lunch it’s the companionship and the chance to see people, have a game of cards or dominoes and have a chat.”

Trustee Anne Gregg said they are working hard to get it reopened but it has been difficult. In the past it has been run by one or two staff along with volunteers and at one stage with contractors. The centre did previously get grants from North Yorkshire County Council for help with people suffering from alzheimers, but budgets have been cut back and Dales Care now relies on donations and money paid by people attending the centre.

Mrs Gregg said:“ It is very hard to work out what form it should take to reopen. We had no choice but to close because money was running out and we didn’t want to get into debt. The problem is that as a charity you can get grants for specific projects but not for running costs and it’s a real struggle to break even.

“It will be very difficult to reopen five days a week because there were not enough people coming in, some people just didn’t think they were ready for it. We may have to start a couple of days a week and build it up. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make sure the centre does reopen.

“And there is, we know, definitely a need, it is a very important place to Bedale and the surrounding villages. We have sent out 70 letters about the Christmas lunch and half the people have already come back. Everyone is welcome and we would love support for the Fayre particularly anyone with raffle prizes or offers of assistance.”

Anyone who would like to help can leave a message on the Dales Care phone, 01677 425806.