VOLUNTEERS at a closing activity centre have appealed for help to find a new meeting place.

Colchester Council will be closing Lion Walk Activity Centre on Friday, with members being encouraged to move across to Age Concern Colchester's new headquarters on North Hill.

But volunteers from Lion Walk said they were worried about what would happen to the elderly who use Lion Walk simply for a hot meal and company rather than any activities.

Miranda Welton, of Layer de la Haye, has volunteered for a year.

She said: "Some of these members still have a lot of life left and will be fine moving across to Age Concern Colchester. They will make use of the activities.

"But there are others who are going to be gutted by this.

READ MORE: Lion Walk activity centre will close this week

"They go to Lion Walk just to feel safe and warm and this will increase their loneliness."

The volunteers are appealing for any businesses across Colchester with a room to spare to consider letting the members use it.

Ms Welton said: "If there's anyone out there throughout the town and they can come up with or have a location or can offer us some support then please do get in contact.

"My dad used Lion Walk Activity Centre and my parents went there in the 1980s and 1990s.

"My mum was also a member for a lot of years and it really helped her. They used to do laughter yoga, which was the most wonderful thing. It was thriving.

"We are very worried about those people who simply go to meet others and have a hot dinner."

The room can be anywhere in Colchester which is accessible and safe. The volunteers would also like to hear from any business who could possibly support the elderly people by sponsoring the meet up.

To help, email Ms Welton at mirandalwelton@gmail.com