Wellington pensioners’ fear being left in isolation after discovering their community centre is under threat of closure.
Belmont Community Hall, New Street, is threatened with closure because Paula Holden, chairman of Belmont Senior Citizen Club for 43 years, is to step down from her post in September.
Members of the club are now calling on the younger generation for help.
The centre, owned by the club, has been running since 1961 and provides food, friendship and fun for around 120 senior citizens from across Telford.
Gary Davies, a trustee of the centre, said: “Paula is going in September and I am very concerned about what is going to happen to this club.
“Unless we get some new help urgently this place will close down. That is the bottom line.
“Around 120 senior citizens will lose their weekly contact. It will be such a shame to see the centre boarded up and closed down.”
Mrs Holden is described as the ‘back bone’ of the group and began helping out when she was 33.
She is now 77 years old.
“I have decided to step down because I think it is time I had a bit of a break,” said Mrs Holden. “I have been doing it for 43 years.
“Over all the years I have enjoyed it so much and the members really benefit.”
Joyce Claton has been a member for 10 years.
“It would be a disaster if it had to close.” she said. “I don’t know what we would do without it.”
Mrs Davies has been going for more than 20 years.
“You have companionship here,” she said. “If it had to close I would be very sad.
“I would say to people please come and help us.”
Doreen Walker, a member for eight and a half years, said: “When you are older it is hard to make friends.
“I have made lots of friends here, it is something to do and we have a nice home cooked meal.”
Councillor Davies said: “I am sure the people of Wellington and district don’t want to see this centre close down and won’t allow this to happen.”
