A LACK of community spirit has been blamed for threatening the future of a youth organisation in Marlow Bottom.

Linda Chafer, the assistant leader of the village's Beaver colony, was speaking after a public appeal to find volunteers to help run the group was met by a wall of silence.

A similar search for volunteers to work with Marlow Bottom's First Girl Guides has also been met with the same muted response.

Mrs Chafer warned that unless someone was found soon, the Beaver colony, which has been open to children for more than 20 years, will close.

"It's very depressing. No one has come forward and the deadline is fast approaching, " she said. "We have until July, but we really need someone in place now so they can undergo the proper training and have time to settle in. We are approaching desperate times."

The 46-year-old said she was angered, but not surprised, that no one had responded to the appeal, which was triggered by the news Beaver colony leader Ray Justice is to retire.

"The real shame is that it's the children who ultimately miss out because they will have nowhere to go," she added.

Spokesman for the Guides Bev Botting said the loss of its youth worker meant it only had one "Guider" in the 40-year-old unit, which left them "desperately" short.

She said: "It's about getting the message across that it can be fun otherwise we wouldn't do it.

"People often say I can't afford the time because I work', but so do I."

"Between the two Guide units in Marlow Bottom we have more than 50 girls. It shows the programme is relevant to the girls today."

If you can help the Guides, call Mrs Botting on 01628 478019, or to volunteer for the Beaver colony call 01628 482088