RESIDENTS on an estate have been urged: Use the facilities or risk losing community spirit.

Toni Knights, recently-appointed co-ordinator at the Greenstead Community Centre, in Hawthorn Avenue, Greenstead, Colchester, is encouraging as many people as possible to use the centre.

The nearby Greenstead Social Club closed temporarily because of financial difficulties.

Miss Knights said: “We really want people to get behind us and support us as much as they can.

“We have already seen what has happened at the social club and I would hate that to happen here.

“I see this as a new era for the centre. We have lots of things in the pipeline that will appeal to people of all ages.

“All we need is for them to come in, use the cafe and take advantage of the things we offer “We also want to hear from residents and find out what they want at the centre, so we are urging everyone to pop in.”

Barry Udale, of the Greenstead Community Association, which founded the centre, said there was a real danger estate facilities could close if they were not supported enough.

He said: “Places like social clubs, community centres and church groups are the fabric of a community that bring people together.

“If we lose one, two or, God forbid, more of these facilities, then people will have nowhere to meet, and they become isolated.

“Some of it is down to the recession. People have less money to spend. But residents should be aware we need their support to survive.”

The centre hosts a variety of clubs and activities, including circuit training, breakfast and lunch clubs and mother and toddler group.

An internet cafe is set to open in the next month and a lunch and social club for older residents is being launched on Monday.

Visit www.greensteadcommunity centre.org.uk or call 01206 791979.