A VITAL support centre for vulnerable youngsters and their parents must close for thousands of pounds worth of emergency repairs.

Council chiefs are preparing to carry out maintenance, mainly to the roof of the Marigold Family resource centre, Avenue Road, Westcliff, after it was deemed “dangerously unstable”.

Southend Council has set aside £32,000 to shore up the structure immediately, but has refused to commit to further investment until it decides where budget cuts will be made next year.

A spokesman said: “The work has been deemed urgent and therefore it will be carried out right away.

“It is not yet known what impact this could have on our service users at the centre.”

Staff only noticed there was a problem with the roof when residents at the neighbouring Milton House retirement noticed slates had fallen into their courtyard.

When engineers climbed up to inspect the structure, they discovered serious faults with the roof joists and lining.

The council spokesman said: “There were some complaints made about roof tiles falling off, so the issue was investigated.

“When the engineers examined it, they realised the problems were far more severe and needed immediate action.

“This work will stabilise the roof and make it safe.”

The centre, run and funded by the council, offers counselling and help for children aged up to 18 and support for parents who are struggling to cope with their responsibilities.

However, council chiefs need to cut £27million from their budget over the next three years.

Bosses have refused to make commitments about the future of the centre until a long-term budget has been drawn up.

In a report for councillors, a council finance officer said: “Larger investment in the Marigold building, before longer term service options are finalised, is not recommended at this stage.”