Plea to save special needs arts group from closure

An art group for special needs adults could face closure because of a lack of volunteers.

The Bee Happy Craft Group, based at West Calder community centre serves as a welcome break for carers and offers members - some of whom have epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism or mental health problems - a chance to express their creativity. It has operated for five years but recently sought help to expand its support base of volunteers and was told it needed to form a committee.

Organiser Ruth Price said: "We desperately need volunteers to help keep this group running. We have around 13 regular attendees who would be devastated if it closed.

She added: "I worry that the group will end up closing and those people who come along week after week will be stuck at home with nowhere to go. At a time when politicians are asking the voluntary sector to help that would be a great shame."

Anyone who can help should phone Ruth on 07890-522 864.