THE co-ordinator of a hugely popular parents and toddlers group today led calls for more volunteers to help save the threatened York community centre where the group is based.

Jenny Fitton, who runs the Livewire under-fives group at Clifton Moor Community Centre, York, said it would be "disastrous" if the centre closed.

It is at risk because the committee running the community centre is badly understaffed.

It urgently needs to find a chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary, or may face having to close the centre.

Ms Fitton said: "When we opened up we didn't know how big the demand would be, but we are always really busy. Last week, for example, we had 30 children from 20 different families here.

"Clifton Moor is growing and this service is ideal for parents who might be at home for much of the day, or for childminders.

"Caring for a child full-time can be quite a lonely existence if you are on your own for long periods, people have said how much they enjoy Livewire."

Ms Fitton said: "The community centre is absolutely vital to us. Livewire is run by volunteers and on a non-profit basis. If we had to go somewhere that charged high rents the service would end, it is as simple as that."

Andrew Lawton, the centre's acting chairman, said that Livewire was just one of the groups that would be at risk if the centre closed.

He said: "If the positions are not filled there is the very real possibility that the centre might have to close.

"It is very popular and well-used, losing it would be terrible for Clifton Moor and the wide range of groups that use it, but without a responsible group to run the centre it would be irresponsible to keep it open."

Former Lord Mayor of York, Irene Waudby, who as councillor for the area is a member of the centre's committee, said: "Please come forward to help out. It is very important that these positions are filled, as the centre closing would be a huge loss to the Clifton Moor community."

Anyone who would like to volunteer should phone Mr Lawton on 01904 690733.

Updated: 08:29 Wednesday, September 25, 2002