THE future of a “massively valuable” youth club is in doubt as funds are running out.

Myland Youth Club, which runs from St Michael’s Community Hall in Mile End, Colchester, attracts 45 ten to 16-year-olds every other Friday.

But a cash grant from Children In Need ran out in January and it has been running on reserves since.

Now its leader Jo Hutchings has warned the club could fold in December unless more funding is urgently found.

Mrs Hutchings said: “Since January we have been running on reserves. The lucky thing is we have really good attendance. The young people pay £2 entry fee but it is a donation because there are some families who are not able to pay it and we don’t want to exclude them. That has built up some reserve funds over the three years we have been running.

“We have club nights booked until December and that’s all we know from there.”

Mrs Hutchings, of Mile End, said the club, managed by Colchester YMCA, started when the Mile End Neighbourhood Action Group wanted to provide youngsters with something constructive to do.

There had been reports of them hanging around the area and causing trouble.

Mrs Hutchings said: “I think it is massively valuable. It is not just about meeting others on a Friday night, but they get to appreciate team work and it helps with the transition to secondary school.

“I have a daughter of my own who has just turned ten and started going and I just feel sad for her on a personal level, it has really built her confidence. It is somewhere she can go and socialise with young people in a safe environment. This is an ideal way for them to be with their peers.”

She added: “It has the potential to expand because of all the new housing developments going on in the area but we can’t expand it further until we know what funding there will be.”

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help the club should call 07584 219111.

PANEL A BABY and toddler group in Colchester may have to close down.

Jodie and Kirk Starling, who only took over the group at St Peter’s Hall two weeks ago, have said not enough parents are attending.

It is costing the pair £30 a week to hire the hall out for one morning but they are currently only making £24.

Mr Starling, whose four-year-old daughter attended the group up until September, said: “The last two weeks it has just been empty.

“We used to get around 25 to 30 youngsters every week and then the parents on top but this Monday we only had 10.

“And we don’t have any babies coming at the moment.

“I’m not sure if it’s because people don’t know we are here but we can’t keep going running at a loss.”

The group is also in desperate need of donations and toys.

“Obviously you get wear and tear at a play group and we are constantly in need of unwanted toys,” said Mr Starling.

“And if any local businesses want to donate any money to the group we really would appreciate it.”

St Peter’s Baby and Toddler group meets at St Peter’s Church Hall every Monday from 10am to 12pm and costs £2 per child.

Newcomers will be charged half price on their first visit.

If you can donate toys or would like to know more contact the group on 01206 501758.