A TOY library for disadvantaged families in Colchester is facing closure.

Rather than celebrating its 32nd birthday this July, the Colchester Toy Library is on the brink of shutting after a decline in support and funding, and uncertainty over its premises.

On May 5 they will debate the future of the toy library and decide whether staying open is viable. It is an open invitation but only members can vote on any proposals.

Jenny White, 38, has volunteered with the library since 2009, when she worked at one of the four Stay & Play groups it managed, based at Greenstead Community Centre.

She became chairman in 2010 and is a trustee alongside retiree Christine Earey, 66, who has held administrative roles for 27 years and is now a part-time treasurer, and secretary Ann Warner, who has volunteered for about 10 years. She said: “Funding for small charities is very different at the moment.

“We’ve spent a lot of time filling in applications to get very little back and are struggling with this enormously because funding bodies are asking for organisations to have longer term leases, which we cannot deliver.

“The charity is looking just a year ahead of itself and being on a temporary lease has put us out.

“A five to 10-year lease on a commercial premises is a lot of commitment for our trustees, who will eventually want to slow down.

“A lot of our members who would’ve stayed at home to raise their family and been able to volunteer are now having to return to work for the money, so our volunteer pool is also going down.

“But we need volunteers to help run the toy library on a day-to-day basis, an organiser, as we have existed without one since Pam stepped down, fundraisers and new committee members, who could potentially become trustees. We’re at a critical stage now and need a serious chunk of support to move forward, so we’re looking for more people to give time and help with fundraising.”

The library loans toys and games to families with children under 11 and those with special needs.

It has about 180 members, who pay £10 a year to borrow up to six toys per month. For parents who cannot attend the library, its toy van delivers toys. A team of 16 volunteers, including committee members, run the project, while a separate group offer respite care during the school holidays.

To RSVP for the meeting at Colchester Toy Library, email toylibrary.cook@btconnect.com or call 01206 500211.