A DAY centre could be saved after councillors stepped in to form their own management committee.

Peter Holliman, deputy leader of Basildon’s Ukip group, and his colleague David Harrison, Ukip councillor for Wickford Park, are trying to stop the Priority Club, based at Riverside Place, in Lower Southend Road, Wickford, from closing.

The Echo revealed last week the over-50s day centre, which is a lifeline for elderly residents, was being forced to shut because of funding cuts.

The existing management committee has told Basildon Council it wishes to cancel the lease on the building, but Mr Holliman and Mr Harrison are hopeful they can take it over.

Ten people have already contacted them saying they would be interested in becoming trustees.

Mr Harrison said: “I will be very sad if the Priority Club disappears.

It’s been going for nearly 50 years.

“I’m hoping we can sort something out. I’ve got ten interested people who are prepared to help out. In the meantime, we’ve got to make sure the existing service users don’t go elsewhere.

“We would obviously need to look into the finances, but I’m hopeful we can help.

“The lease wasn’t due to run out until next year so if we can just keep it until then, that will buy us a bit more time.

“We’re doing our best.”

The Priority Club 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 existing trustees, said cash reserves had now run out and declining member numbers mean it is no longer financially viable.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, said: “Saying something is one thing but being able to achieve that is another thing.

“Mr Harrison and Mr Holliman need to be very careful not to commit funds on behalf of the taxpayer.

“If they get a plan together and submit it to officers we will have a look and see if its viable.”

The Priority Club started 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.

Jean Harper, 84, who manages the club, has been involved since the beginning.