VOLUNTEERS say they are considering “walking away” after being told Maldon’s Red Cross centre will close by the end of the year.

The Red Cross charity, which helps those of all ages in times of crisis, has told the volunteers at its Maldon centre on Mill Road they can expect it to close completely by Christmas.

The centre is used for the charity’s first aid training sessions, which run weekly, along with sessions providing mobile aid such as wheelchairs and walking sticks to those who need them.

The building is also used by the Women’s Royal Volunteer Service, which runs lunch clubs for the elderly twice a week.

The centre is managed by a team of volunteers, with as many as 18 helping out during different days and sessions.

Ian Davey, 65, is the voluntary group leader for the centre, and had to break the news to his team on Monday.

He said: “I’m steaming at this news. We are all shocked and very, very angry.

“Initially we thought about keeping it quiet, as British Red Cross wanted to meet with us so we could argue our position.

“However, it’s since been made clear that it’s already confirmed to happen, without any thought for us, and we can expect the centre to be closed by Christmas.

“I just cannot believe they would think to do something like this, there is a lot of work that goes on in this centre all the time.

“I run the weekly first aid sessions, we have a dedicated team who help with mobile aid, plus the WRVS hosting their elderly lunch clubs twice a week.

“The building also has potential to act as temporary housing for someone in dire need.”

Mr Davey said his team of volunteers comes from across the Dengie, with one making a 48-mile trip there and back again each week.

He has criticised the charity’s approach to the decision, and has stated it could see the whole team walking away from their duties.

He said: “I was told that if we’re that frustrated, we could just go and work for another centre, but that’s beside the point.

“We all care about our centre here in Maldon.

“I’ve been a volunteer for the best part of 25 years, but now we’re all seriously considering handing in our volunteer badges and walking away.

“We don’t want to cause any harm to the Red Cross, but we don’t want to roll over and be trampled on.”

Jane Smithson has been a volunteer with the mobile aid section of the centre for 12 years.

She said: “We’re convinced this is financially motivated. It’s shocked us all and it’s come out of nowhere.

“The centre is a lifeline for so many, the mobile aid gives wheelchair support to many who need it, and much quicker than the NHS services can produce.”

The British Red Cross was contacted but did not respond to requests for comment.