TIME is running out for the Creative Living Centre in Prestwich after five members of staff were made redundant this week.

Two full-time and three part-time workers were expected to receive official letters by today giving them three months notice.

The popular centre in Bury New Road has until March to secure sustainable funding to allow the facility to continue at full throttle.

As reported in November, the future of the Creative Living Centre looked uncertain after their bid to the Community Fund, to allow it to continue for another three years, failed.

The centre provides a holistic approach to helping people cope with emotional distress and mental health problems. It offers a range of complementary therapies such as aromatherapy massage, acupuncture, arts and crafts, drama and music.

It opened as a charity in 1997 and in the last three years has helped more than 800 people. Centre co-ordinator Sarah Berry is one of the full-time employees set to lose her job.

She said: "We have funding to take us up to March but the next three months will be spent applying for funding from a number of sources." Sarah said members were feeling insecure and added: "They are worried about what the future holds but I am still optimistic as the project is so special. I can't imagine it stopping."

Discussions are continuing between the centre, Bury Social Services and Bury Primary Care Trust.