A YOUTH club which supports vulnerable children has shut its doors temporarily due to a lack of volunteers.

Radcliffe Outwood Bound Youth Club has had to close because there are not enough people to keep it open.

Action is being taken to try to save the club and an urgent appeal has now been made for local residents to help out.

The club, based at King George V Community Centre, in Outwood Road, Radcliffe, has been providing activities for young people for just over three years.

At least 40 young people were registered with the club, which was launched to provide a safe space for children to meet, as well as tackle rising crime and nuisance behaviour in the

area.

Run by Six Town Housing, the Thursday night sessions offered a range of activities, including arts and crafts, pool, table tennis, board games and more.

John Merrick, director of neighbourhoods at Six Town Housing, said: “As a tenant and resident association, Outwood provides a valuable and essential service to its community.

“Closure of its youth club would be missed by over 40 local children that are registered for it, plus their families.

“The club is in need of local heroes who can step up to help run the sessions, manage the tuck-shop and assist with paperwork.

“If you can help, not only would you be helping a community service to continue, but you would access training and experience which could boost your CV or help you in your career, particularly if you want to work with young people.”

The club has been running since August 2013 with two weekly 90 minute sessions, one for eight to 11-year-olds and

another for 12 to 16-year-olds.

In order to open the club, Six Town Housing worked alongside Radcliffe Town Football Club to give the community centre a revamp with funding from Six Town Housing, Groundwork and Greater Manchester Police to help pay for training, equipment and other expenses.

Support was also given by Radcliffe Town Football Club and Bury Council’s youth services.

Radcliffe Town FC secretary Malcolm Tillson said: “There seems to be a demand for the youth sessions.

“We have had local kids coming round to ask when the club is reopening. It is always popular.”

Prospective volunteers are invited to call into the community centre in Outwood Road, at 6pm on November 14 for an informal chat. For information call Six Town Housing on 0161 686 8000.