A COMMUNITY group which was formed to help deal with flooding issues in Orgill has been forced to close.

Orgill and Castle Croft Residents and Tenants group is disbanding due to a lack of volunteers.

The group, which was formed almost four years ago, has - alongside its flood help - worked to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, helped to keep the bus service running and campaigned on issues such as dog fouling and littering.

Sally Bennett, who started the group with her friend Indra Cooper, said: “To start with the group was to deal with flooding but after talking to residents at our first meeting we decided to include other issues to hlep the community.”

Over £200 of remaining funds was split between the Egremont Flood Action group and Animal Concern Cumbria West Branch.

During its time the group also organised social activities for residents, including a World Cup family day. It helped to raise over £600 for charity.

“For a while it worked and we held a few charity parties for the local kids, helped with motorbikes using the footpaths as rat runs and most of all getting funds for flood works,” said Sally.

“We organised a very successful World Cup event at the Falcon club which was great. I left in 2015 as I felt we were struggling for volunteers from the community. It is a shame really but that’s just the way it is.”

Current chairman Neil Ferguson said: “Unfortunately due to no extra new members we couldn’t get a new committee. The group has done a fantastic job over the years and organised highly-attended events.

“It is a pity we couldn’t get people to come forward to keep it going. We have decided to give money to Egremont Flood group because that is how this all started.”

The Facebook group ‘Orgill & Castle Croft Residents & Tenants Group’ will remain open for the benefit of the community.