A POPULAR residents’ association has warned it will be forced to shut down despite attracting almost 150 people to its meetings.

Frinton Residents’ Association has been running since 1962, but due to a lack of volunteers it will close unless people come forward.

At a packed annual meeting at the McGrigor Hall earlier this year, the association called for volunteers to fill a number of vacancies on its committee.

Committee members co-opted during the past year have already resigned and a number of long-serving also stood down.

Neil Churcher, vice-chairman of Frinton Residents’ Association, said the association will close on March 31 if it cannot attract helpers.

He said: “It will be a really sad day for Frinton if we have to close – it will be a blow for localism. We know things need to move forward, but Frinton is a unique seaside town and it is nice to keep its flavour.

“We like to remind councils and Government we are here and propose action when necessary.”

He added: “After 57 years, the association will cease to exist unless we can recruit more volunteers to help us maintain Frinton’s unique character.

“We desperately need people with IT, secretarial or administrative experience.

“The association does an awful lot of work for the town. We have meetings with councillors and have frank discussions. We have tried and tried to get people to come forward, but have now had a meeting and decided that this is it, if we cannot sort it out.”

Mr Churcher said there are just eight committee members left and most have two or three different jobs to do - such as checking up on dangerous pavements, potholes and looking into planning applications.

“At the moment some of us doing two or three things,” he added. “None of us getting any younger - what we need is to bring in fresh blood.”

He said another four people are needed to maintain the association’s standard.

Frinton mayor Iris Johnson added: “It will be very sad if they do find they have to close.

“It’s been going for so many years and the people are so enthusiastic about Frinton, but most of the work is done by just a few people and they need support.”

Anyone interested in taking on a committee post is asked to email info@frintonresidents.co.uk.