A DAY centre which offers a lifeline to elderly residents is being forced to close due to funding cuts.

The Priority Club, based at Riverside Place, in Lower Southend Road, Wickford, has struggled to survive since Basildon Council cut its £2,000 annual grant in 2013 and scrapped its subsidised meal service.

Cliff Thornton, one of the trustees of the club, said cash reserves have now run out and declining member numbers mean it is no longer financially viable.

Members of the Priority Club, designed for over 50s, have been given three months notice of the closure.

Peter Holliman, Ukip councillor for Wickford North, said: “There is nowhere else like this in the area.

“A lot of people who use the club are housebound, but get out once a week to go to the centre, take part in activities and socialise. It’s a real lifeline.

“The nearest day centre will be the George Hurd Centre, in Audley Way, Basildon, and transport it a real issue for a lot of these people. There is no way they will be able to get there.

They’re going to miss out on so much.”

One member, who did not want to be named, said: “We don’t understand why we are being thrown out. We’re being told we’ve got time to find somewhere else, but why should we have to?

“There is a lot of upset and anger at the moment.”

The day centre moved into its current home in 2009 after its former premises were demolished as part of the regeneration of Lower Southend Road.

Basildon Council teamed up with developers Bradgate Development to secure a new permanent location for the club in the mixed development of residential and retail units, with the lease signed for 50 years.

Mr Thornton said: “The purpose of the club has changed and we don’t get that many people come along anymore. People are now much more active in their later years.”

The Priority Club started out as a drop-in centre in 1956.

Local voluntary organisations began fundraising and in September 1967 the club moved into its own premises and become a hub of community activity.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “We have been notified that the group wish to terminate the lease giving the appropriate notice.”