THE founders of a beloved Southend community hub say it will only survive three months if it cannot get more backing.

The Ironworks, in Southend High Street, launched a petition in a bid to try and get Southend Council’s support to help keep open the “vital” community hub.

This comes after a crowdfunding campaign seeking £120,000 to secure its future failed to raise the required funds.

The community centre has played host to more than 100,000 visitors and tourists in its two years of existence and has accommodated more than 80 weekly clubs.

The Ironworks successfully reached a 1,500-signature petition target but council deadlines mean the first opportunity for it to be discussed would be March.

Their current funding is due to end in February.

Ironworks co-founder, Ami Solomons, said: “It’s crunch time – we have had panic attacks about this all week.

“We are in the situation where we need help and it is the last time for this. We are looking at closing the door and we looking at how long we can live from the Crowdfunder. We have three months in the Crowdfunder if the council don’t help us.

“The petition is going into the meeting tomorrow as a question. We just need a little more support, we need people to write in and donate between us. The more letters they have the harder we are to ignore.”

Southend Labour councillor, Aston Line, who will be presenting a question on behalf of the Ironworks at today’s council meeting, said: “They have welcomed more than 100,000 tourists and guests through the door we are using the space for such a variety of different causes: theatre, comedy, live music, art poetry and some of my photographer and art friends have displayed there too.

“I was most fascinated about the idea of independent traders in the building at small start-up cost and it’s been exciting to see the long-term plan of the building.”

The Ironworks community has been particularly passionate about the survival of the community space.

Club Tuesday member, Terry, said: “We have a voice, and we should be heard. We want this place to stay open, we have a voice. Come and listen.”