ONE of Southampton’s key elderly groups has been hit by a cash crisis.

Southampton Pensioners’ Forum is facing a funding shortage with just under £500 left in its coffers.

Committee members are appealing for help from the public to help keep it afloat and fighting for pensioners’ concerns.

Chairman Robbie Robinson said: “I hate to keep on asking but this is where we are with the money at the moment. We cannot even print another newsletter because it costs more than £500 to print and distribute.

“It is a serious situation and if anybody has got any spare cash we would really appreciate the donations.”

He added: “We have been trying to get donations from quite a few places but it’s very difficult because we do not meet their criteria and we are unwilling to sacrifice our independence for cash.”

Mr Robinson was speaking at a forum meeting at Southampton Civic Centre where the forum committee was unanimously re-elected for another year-long term.

The forum is open to all pensioners in Southampton.