By David Siddall

Last updated 15:57, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

THE Lingla Centre at Frizington, which also runs a vital meals-on- wheels service locally, faces a closure deadline.

The directors of the Lingla Centre Cafe this week announced “with great reluctance” that they will have to close the centre from the end of June.

Not only do more than 40 people rely on the cafe, but its volunteer- run meals service takes cooked meals out to more than 70 pensioners each week. For many it is the only point of contact with the wider community and their only ‘friend’ calling to see how they are.

Mr Alan Polley, who stepped into the breach as chairman after the last vicar, the Rev Andy McCafferty, left the area, had to start breaking the bad news to staff and supporters this week.

Mr Polley said: “The centre opened in April 2000 at St Paul’s Church. It secured a range of public funding to undertake the conversion and has since attracted many local people with its quality service. The centre has also been providing meals to local residents on behalf of Cumbria County Council.

“Following a failed Lottery bid in November, the management of the Lingla Centre has been carrying on operating thanks to volunteers. The board has been exploring possible ways of making the cafe sustainable but have had to accept that this is not currently possible. We will however continue to seek ways of achieving sustainability in the time remaining.

“The board’s central focus is now to do all it can to help those affected by the closure; staff, service users (especially those receiving mobile meals) and the wider community.”

Those who wish to contact the board about the situation can contact Mr Polley on 01946 812626 or the centre on 01946 815007.