THE counselling and helpline service which has helped AIDS and HIV sufferers in East Lancashire for 15 years is closing down because of the lack of volunteers.

Burnley Aidsline, which has covered the whole of the East Lancashire area, has helped thousands of people over the last 15 years.

It will close down for the last time on Friday, August 31.

The charity was started by the late Dr Fred Archer, consultant microbiologist at Burnley General Hospital, and among the founder members was Pat Ashforth who has been secretary throughout.

Now she and long time chairman Walter Park have announced their retirement from the voluntary posts.

Pat said there was no one willing to take on the work and that regretfully the decision had been taken to close the charity permanently.

The service has been operational since 1986 operating from the offices of the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council in Church Street, Burnley.

Over the years it has provided a telephone helpline service to the population of East Lancashire on issues around HIV and AIDS.

When necessary a befriending and family support service had been provided to those in need.

Also many activities and events had been undertaken around the district to support the annual World AIDS Day each December.

Pat said anyone wanting information and help could contact the Body Positive and George House Trust in Manchester.

She said that over the years Burnley Aidsline had dealt with many hundreds of inquiries possibly averaging about 25 a month.

Over the years the number of calls had gradually declined for two reasons and of which was complacency.

The other was that people were more aware of the issues and that there were more books and leaflets widely available which answered many of the questions.

She said: "People are now better educated about it. But there is a danger of complacency. The disease is still there, it is still incurable and there is still no vaccine."

Pat added: "We would like to thank our volunteers and supporters from all walks of life who have given us so much support over the years and hopefully have helped those concerned with and affected by HIV.

"We always appreciated all help and kindness from volunteers."