A VOLUNTEER group that “tirelessly” fundraises for Abingdon Citizens Advice Bureau will have to close if it cannot find more members.

The Friends of Abingdon CAB currently has just four committee members organising concerts and sales year-round to provide vital equipment.

But as their number dwindles, the CAB’s 35 volunteers and three staff are facing rising demand on their services, which they put down to government benefits reorganisation.

Director of Abingdon CAB Tom Fox said: “The Friends have tirelessly supported the CAB – only this month they have provided us with a new photocopier.

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“Alas, their numbers are diminishing and the workload is falling on a reducing number of shoulders.”

The Abingdon bureau has going for more than 30 years. As a charity it receives a small number of local authority grants but relies heavily on fundraising from the Friends.

The Abingdon CAB currently gives about 1,500 people free advice on benefits, housing, employment, mortgages, debt and other problems each year.

The Friends raise about £15,000 a year to keep it going.

Mr Fox said without their contribution the office would have to start closing early.

Abingdon mayor Angela Lawrence, one of the Friends committee members, said: “No one has the time to commit at the moment.

“We really need people with more time. The Friends is important to the CAB because we provide basic things they cannot afford because of government funding cuts.

“What the CAB does is so important and the Abingdon team do a terrific job.

“What they do is more necessary now than ever with benefit problems. There are more people coming for advice, particularly with disabilities.”

Ms Lawrence, who also sits on Vale of White Horse District Council, stood down from her position on the CAB board of trustees so she could speak in favour of the CAB without risking a conflict of interest, in breach of council rules.

She added: “I think we will have to close and disband.

“People are frightened of coming forward.”

The Friends will hold its annual meeting tomorrow night and anyone is welcome to join. The meeting is at 7.30pm at Abbey House, in Abbey Place.

Committee member Lesley Legge said: “We are just struggling because we all have commitments. The demand at CAB is particularly high with problems people are having.”

For more information call Abingdon CAB on 01235 550553

Help needed...

No age limit 

No experience necessary but an understanding and support of the CAB would be beneficial 

Able to work a few hours each month

Must be able to attend the committee, which meets once every three months in the daytime, but could be changed to evening if needed

The Friends would like anyone with good ideas willing to give the time

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