TRUSTEES at YMCA Warrington admit the future of the charity remains up in the air as they battle against an estimated £66,000 shortfall this year.

Grant bids are continuing to ensure the organisation can live on and deliver its services, with extra emphasis now being placed on the day centre provision provided.

Financial statements submitted to the Charity Commission confirmed income for 2014 was £297,910, while expenditure reached £298,937.

The year before income hit £299,179 and expenditure totalled £309,341.

The YMCA's net assets in December 2014 were £248,387– however the major asset, apart from cash, is the Winmarleigh Street building, which is valued at around £100,000.

But the property is owned by the charity's national body and permission would be required to ever sell it off.

Forecast total income this year is £38,590 – the figure includes an anticipated £12,300 solely from donations.

But expenditure, including £56,232 for staff salaries at the centre, is set to hit £105,220, leaving a net cash flow of minus £66,630.

Treasurer Roger Maxwell fears the charity's town centre doors could close in November after more than 160 years in Warrington if funding is not received.

He said: "We will continue to seek funding in these difficult financial times but the YMCA needs dependable, reliable financial supports to plan for the future and be viable and sustainable over the longer term.

"There may be a guardian angel – we are trying every avenue."

The council slashed its £38,000 funding for the charity in March, with the authority now delivering services through its own Housing Plus team, wellbeing services and CRI Pathways.

Centre manager Susan Blyth, who has worked at the branch for 34 years, believes there is a 'glimmer of hope' following a successful meeting with council chief Cllr Russ Bowden last Thursday.

She said: "The idea is to carry on for three months, while we try to obtain funding, and continue the service as it is.

"We are still offering daytime services but those hours could be reduced a bit in order to continue – we may have to open later at around 2pm to enable us to continue until around 9.30pm.

"We will remain as we are for the next two months at least.

"People are saying they don't want to go to the new service as they want to stay here. It is difficult as we have to do some sign-posting so people can go over to the new service.

"We have built up strong relationships with people. We are in urgent need of funding.

"But the town's response has been unbelievable – the public interest and human cry has been really encouraging at a time when we are very down and that demonstrates to us that people need it and value the service.

"The fundraising has been amazing too, even small donations make a massive difference and we hope people continue doing that great work."

A sponsored walk for the charity will take place on Sunday – all funds raised will go towards keeping its doors open.

Residents should meet at the Winmarleigh Street base at 10am.

For further information visit the YMCA Support Group on Facebook or e-mail info@arleysangels.co.uk.