Charity debt crisis leads to cash plea

One of Shropshire's oldest children's charities is appealing for donations, after it emerged a £7,000 debt may leave it temporarily unable to help disadvantaged children.

The Longmynd Adventure Camp in Church Stretton has spent more than £60,000 in the last five years on refurbishment work. But the cost of upgrading its toilet and shower block was increased by £6,500.

The total cost of the upgrade has now reached almost £18,000.

The work is almost finished, but the charity still has to pay back a £5,000 community loan and owes approximately £2,000 to suppliers who are willing to wait for payment.

Kim March, LMAC secretary and funding officer, said they would use the rates they get from paying groups to reduce the debt but in the meantime they may have to take fewer groups who need subsidised rates.

He said: "Sometimes we are lucky, sometimes we get a benefactor. But at the moment there's nothing but our own initiatives and resources."

Mr March said they had to take out the £5,000 loan because they were offered free labour to refurbish the shower and tower block and could not afford to miss out on the opportunity.

He said: "There's no question of us going bust, it's all been carefully planned and we know what we are going to do.

"The worst scenario is that we will have to rely on our own income generating abilities.

"It's a manageable situation but there are some short term potential disadvantages. We are grateful for any help that's offered."

The Longmynd Adventure Camp is a charitable organisation run by an entirely voluntary group for the benefit of socially deprived and disadvantaged children and young people.

The organisation, founded in 1959, offers the residential facility for use by voluntary youth groups who wish to give their members experience of country life.

For more information contact Mr March on (01694) 724991 or visit www.longmyndcamp.org.uk

By Hannah Costigan