A CLEVELAND community could lose its parish hall unless more volunteers come forward.

Crunch time for Egglescliffe parish hall could come in the new year.

A local councillor has said more people should roll up their sleeves and help. "Otherwise this valuable facility will be lost for everyone," said Coun John Fletcher.

The Butts Lane building is used for all kinds of fundraising and social functions. For the past 30 years it has been run by a management committee on lease from the parochial council of St John's church. This has recently been renewed.

But the February annual meeting could see a crisis. Two key workers are about to leave the parish hall association, and Coun Fletcher said at least three new volunteers were needed to keep the work going.

In a letter to the community, he says: "The hall can only function because of committed voluntary support. There is always work to be done. The hall gets no direct subsidy so funds need to be raised."

Coun Fletcher says hall finances are always on a shoestring because of the lack of subsidy. The association is a registered charity which uses the hall rent-free in return for maintenance and insurance. The church uses it on Sundays and one night a week for free.

It is also used by brownies, guides, WI, Mothers' Union, a gardening club, youth club, for public meetings and as a polling station. "It is a community asset run by volunteers," said Coun Fletcher.

"I can't think of an alternative plan if we do not get enough volunteers."

The association is about to lose Richard and Janet Fawcett after years of service. Mr Fawcett is its treasurer and also handles paperwork, and Mrs Fawcett is bookings secretary. The couple are moving to America.

Since the mail-shot, one volunteer has come forward, but three are seen as essential.

"We need at least three new people so we can continue fundraising efforts," he said.

"More parents, grandparents and friends of users need to roll up their sleeves and help or the hall could be lost for everyone."