A VALUABLE project that has seen volunteers support more than 300 older people across Swindon is facing closure.

Swindon Circles of Support was set up with central government funding in 2014 but the money was in the form of a one-off grant and two years on, the pot has dried up.

With the council facing unprecedented financial strain and struggling to fund even the most well-established services, Swindon Circles is now at risk.

This project was launched with great fanfare as part of the national Cities of Service movement.

A small staff team recruit volunteers and match them to vulnerable older people.

The majority are unable to socialise easily outside of their homes either through dementia, learning disability, physical limitations or pain restrictions, sight problems and a lack of confidence.

The news that there was no clear funding after March came when a councillor who represents one of Swindon’s more disadvantaged wards was phoned by a local resident in tears at the prospect.

Coun Derique Montaut (Lab - Liden, Eldene and Park South), said: “I am deeply concerned. I heard about the expected closure after one of my elderly constituents contacted me, upset about losing her volunteer carer.

“The lady asked me whether the council want old people to lay down and die? When the most vulnerable are asking this question, we know budget cuts have gone too far.

“What’s so illogical about this service’s closure, is that it is driven by volunteers.

“What kind of message does it send to people who are prepared to spend their free time helping our isolated elderly residents? That they are no longer required? It’s plainly wrong.”

Coun Montaut has called on the council to explore all possible funding options to save the service.

A council spokesman said: “Swindon Circles of Support is an initiative funded by a central government grant, which ends in March 2017.

“Alternative funding sources are currently being explored in the wider financial context of the council facing significant budget pressures.”