CRUNCH talks will be held today in an attempt to save a town community centre expected to close at the end of the month.

Last week, the management committee of The Shildon Centre said the venue would have to close on May 31.

They said the centre, in the town's Main Street, could not survive after failing to secure Lottery cash for a key project.

But the leader of Durham County Council has offered hope to users of the venue by calling a meeting of councillors, senior officers and centre volunteers this morning.

Councillor Albert Nugent said he will do all he can to ensure the centre's survival and is confident a solution will be found.

He said: "I have already spoken with the local councillor, Vernon Chapman, and volunteers, and they are keen to keep it going.

"We will see what can be done to resolve the situation.

"It is disappointing not to get the Lottery grant but we cannot give up after the first race. I for one am in it for the long haul.

"I will find the money to save it, even if I have to go busking outside the railway museum."

The centre was set up in 1985 in a former police station to support unemployed people when the wagon works closed.

It runs a community transport scheme, a counselling service, drop-in cafe, and an administration service.

But the venue has faced an uncertain future since last spring when Durham County Council announced budget cuts.

Coun Nugent said: "I gave that commitment to protect front-line services, which I class the centre as.

"It is important to people, particularly children, the old and the vulnerable. As long as the people of Shildon want it to stay open, I'll fight to keep it open."