A WEST Hampstead community centre needs a new group to run its services. There has been no-one to run activities for a range of community groups after the West Hampstead Community Association was forced to close in May. Camden Council is now offering fund

A WEST Hampstead community centre needs a new group to run its services.

There has been no-one to run activities for a range of community groups after the West Hampstead Community Association was forced to close in May.

Camden Council is now offering funds for a new group willing to co-ordinate the services, such as a creche, an after-school club, youth activities and fitness classes, previously offered by the association on Mill Lane.

"Our main concern is to get community services up and running again in West Hampstead area as soon as possible," said Cllr Andrew Marshall.

"We have listened to residents' views and agreed a process that will allow time for community groups and others to put forward proposals for using the funds."

The association closed on May 30 after it ran up a £22,000 debt. The loss put the popular Jester Festival in doubt, and it only went ahead this summer after a last-ditch effort from local people.

Fortune Green councillor Flick Rea said: "One of the most important things to get up and running again is access to the facilities as there isn't anywhere else.

"But it may be that a phoenix will rise from the ashes that will be better than what was before.