Fears are intensifying over a much-loved community centre’s future which could be forced to shut if nobody steps in to help run it.

The South Willesborough and Newtown (SWAN) Centre in Ashford faces the prospect of pulling down the shutters if efforts to find volunteers fall flat.

After 34 years of involvement, current boss Stef Hayfield will soon leave the establishment - which hosts an array of activities for ages one to 100.

With just three committee members behind the scenes running things, despite it being recommended as a 12-person job, the call to action comes as dwindling numbers threaten the future of the much-needed facility.

Mr Hayfield told KentOnline: “The few members of the management committee that are left, me included, have all served 34 years and after that amount of time, I think retirement's well due.

“If there isn't a new management committee, the situation is then there isn't anyone to run it.

“We're doing everything possible, we've tried for the last eight or nine years to get people involved with it and basically take it on.

“It's very diverse, it always has been from its very beginnings, but it just wants new people from the local community.

“The centre benefits the community greatly, but it needs the volunteers.”

Though owned by Ashford Borough Council, the Turner Close centre is self-funding and generally independent of the authority.

It is understood the place is in good financial shape and the issues the building faces are not linked to any monetary concerns but simply a lack of volunteers.

Clubs and groups using the site include Slimming World, martial arts sessions, dog training, baby classes and a retirement community.

A meeting to discuss its future and potentially elect new management will be held at the centre on February 19 at 7.30pm.

A borough council spokesperson told KentOnline: “We hope the South Willesborough & Newtown Community Centre are successful in finding new volunteers for the committee to help continue to run the centre for the community.”