MANAGEMENT of Neston Community Youth Centre have issued a plea to local businesses for help to solve a cash crisis.

The centre is temporarily closed while funds are raised for a complete overhaul of the 30-year-old building.

In a letter to local firms, Brenda Roe of the management committee said: "We desperately need funds for essential repairs.

"Our building is now 30 years old and is in need of a full re-wiring of its electrical system.

"The situation has reached crisis point and, as a result, the management committee have had no choice but to temporarily close the building down while we raise funds for the necessary work."

Part of the funding has been promised by Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council and Cheshire Youth Service. But the unsafe electrics mean that the building cannot re-open until repairs are made.

Local groups, including Wirral Youth Theatre, martial arts classes and Acorn playgroup have been forced to suspend activities or find other, less suitable premises.

Added Mrs Roe: "Despite putting together an excellent application for funding from the National Lottery Board in 1997, we were very disappointed that the board chose not to support the work of the centre at that time.

"We have already submitted another application but will not know the results of our efforts until the Spring. We shall have to close the building down until the electrical system is made safe.

"If you can support us by donating funds to the centre, we would be very grateful. Every penny raised will go direct to the centre to provide a safe environment for current and future users."

For more information, contact Mrs Roe at 2 Churchill Way, Neston.

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