Abergavenny volunteers are scrambling to find thousands of pounds in the next month, or see their prized community centre forced to close.

The Abergavenny Community Enterprise Partnership (ACE) has launched a petition to raise £5,000 by the end of October for a lifeline to keep the place open until March.

ACE workers fear failure to find the cash would mean thousands of local residents – many from deprived areas of the town – would lose vital support.

Volunteers at the centre, which is based in at Hillcrest Road, run cooking courses, sewing classes, an art group and gardening classes for people with disabilities and mental health issues. They also offer advice to drug users and those struggling to find work.

Over 120 people have signed the petition since Monday. It states: "In this area there is a lack of services so ACE provides a hub where an approachable friendly service can be found, where there is an attempt any problem that comes in.

"We are accessible to anybody’s needs and will help everyone who walks through the door."

Paul Matthews, chief executive of Monmouthshire County Council, said, ”We have been involved with ACE for a long time and recognise the importance of the work it has done.

"The council is always open to considering requests for support and we will do so in this case."