A CENTRE which was set up in Devizes 50 years ago to support elderly and vulnerable people is to close to the dismay of manager Sam Wilson.

The Crown Centre in St John's Street has been a social lifeline for older people for decades but the decision on its closure is set to be taken at an annual meeting of the committee on December 15.

Ms Wilson, who has worked there for 18 years, said: "I think the only thing that can save it now would be if lots of new volunteers and committee members came forward.

"Our committee members are getting older and older and we desperately need fresh blood. We have also been hit by a fall in numbers of members and we would really need many more people to use the centre. It is a fantastic place right in the town centre and over the years we have tried everything to get more people to come in.

But she said that a change in the lifestyles of older people had hit the centre. She said: "People in their 70s do not consider themselves old so they are less likely to join."

Groups such as the University of the Third Age and Probus hire rooms but Ms Wilson said that in the past people from these organisations would also become individual members of the Crown Centre this now happened less and less.

Devizes town councillor Sue Evans said: "I was shocked when I heard about this. The Crown Centre is a real asset to the community and it would be a real shame if it closed.

"When I was mayor I went to the re-opening of the centre after it had major repairs after water leaked into the cellar. I hope people will come forward so it can keep on running."

The centre is home to a number of clubs and has a cafe drop in centre at the front of the building and provides lunches for pensioners. It also has a large dining area and kitchen at the back and an upstairs room which is rented out for meetings.

Ms Wilson, who will lose her home as well as her job if the centre closes as she lives in a flat at the top of the building, said: "We really make a difference to the members who come regularly and I always try and make big birthdays and anniversaries special. People turning up in force at the meeting is our last hope."

The meeting will be held at 11am on December 15 at the Crown Centre but only members will be able to vote.

In May 2011 the centre closed for a number of months after water leaked into the cellar causing walls to crumble and made the front of the Grade II listed building unsafe.

But The Crown Centre, which is one of the oldest buildings in Devizes, dating back to the 16th century, was re-opened after five months of repair work and a number of regular users spoke of their delight and relief.

Other improvements have been made in recent years including new central heating and an updated kitchen.