A COMMUNITY house on one of Barnsley's most notorious estates will close unless it secures new funding and finds fresh volunteers.

Welland House on Welland Crescent, Elsecar has hit financial difficulties after money from European funding ran out.

Sandra Allott, 49, established the centre two years ago as a safe place for children on the estate to play.

But its founding member is fearful the home has no future unless it gets more help.

She said: "I'm worried that if we can't get more money in and some new volunteers we will have to close. It seems such a waste when the kids have put so much effort in and it's so well used.

"They are a good set of kids and they deserve somewhere to go and it keeps them off the streets and out of trouble.

"They're always asking me when it will be open again and I have to tell them it wont be unless people come forward.

"We would be really grateful for anything that people are willing to donate whether its time, expertise or cash."

Parent and toddler groups, after school clubs and arts groups all used the premises as a base.

Youngsters of all ages would play pool, listen to music and watch dvds in the popular hangout.

The Forge Community Partnership supported the project from the start and vice-chairman Robin Franklin believes it is a vital facility to the community.