THE popular "Pop-In cafe" in Petersfield is facing the threat of closure because of a shortage of volunteers. The long-established Pop-In, which has its home in the Winton House Centre in the High Street, is especially popular with elderly people. It has become an even more vital facility for them since the closure of the Tesco cafe in The Causeway earlier this year. Centre manager Alison Gauld told The Herald: "The Pop-In really has reached a crisis, we are in desperate need of more volunteers. "We have already had to close on Tuesday and we had to close again yesterday at 11-30 am instead of 1 pm." She said the Pop-In needed another four volunteers to help for two hours a week. There was also a real need for reserves who could be called on in an emergency, and also for a washer-upper on a Tuesday morning, she added. Mrs Gauld said that the crisis had erupted because more women in their 50s were going back to work to top up their pensions, and fewer were looking for volunteer work as they had done several years ago. More women were also looking after their grandchildren, so that their daughters could earn money, she said. Mrs Gauld said she was anxious to hear from anyone who felt they could help. "If there is anybody out there who is on their own and retired, who would like to contribute towards the community, we would love to hear from you," she said. "Being a volunteer in the Pop-In is such a worthwhile thing which brings its own rewards. You are meeting people, you are helping needy people, and you are contributing toward being a force for good – which the Winton House Centre is in the community." The Pop-In is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm, and until 3 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. More volunteers are needed on Wednesdays, from 9 am to 11 am, and on Fridays, from 9 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 3 pm. During term-time, a volunteer is needed on the first Friday of the month, from 11 am to 1 pm. Call Mrs Gauld on 01730 266046.