AN urgent appeal has been launched to find a new venue to host weekly activities and social gatherings for elderly people in Boston.

More than 200 pensioners regularly attend Age Concern Boston-run events including coffee mornings, lunches, line dancing, computer and French classes each Wednesday and Friday at Pensioners House in the town.

But now, after 12 years at the venue, the charity is being forced to look for a new home for these gatherings which it says are vital to those who attend them.

Community services and development manager Barbara O'Neill told the Target a proposed rent increase along with other factors had led the group to take the "difficult decision" to stop using Pensioners House from April 29.

She said: "It's very unfortunate and we are sorry that we are unable to continue at this venue.

"Many of the people who attend these events on a weekly basis live alone and can be quite isolated.

"The coffee mornings, lunches and the rest offer them companionship, friendship, mental stimulation and, with activities such as the line dancing, there are also health benefits.

"We are keen to continue to offer our services in the town and are looking for new premises.

"The volunteers are keen to stay involved and we don't want older people to miss out as many really enjoy meeting up with friends old and new.

"We have already taken a look at some possible venues but these were unsuitable as they did not meet the accessibility needs required.

"Any venue we use needs to be wheelchair-friendly so we don't exclude anyone who might want to come along.

"It doesn't have to be a single location for all the activities. We could run them at a number of different venues and any offers of help would be gratefully received."

Ms O'Neill stressed there was no animosity between Age Concern and the Pensioners House management committee over the situation.

She said: "We would like to thank all the volunteers and people who have supported the activities at Pensioners House.

"We wish Pensioners House luck in the future and we are now focussing on our search for a new venue.

"Unfortunately, it is almost inevitable that there will be a period of time between us leaving Pensioners House and starting up elsewhere but we will do all we can to keep that time to a minimum."

Anyone who has a venue which they think would be suitable should contact Age Concern Boston on (01522) 554995.