Workington and District Civic Trust will be mothballed due to a shortage of members.

The trust formed in 2001 with 150 members but numbers have dwindled.

Following low turnout at a meeting last year, it became clear there were not enough members to continue.

Despite notifying members that new volunteers were needed, none were forthcoming and the trust has notified the Charity Commission and Civic Voice of its intention to cease activity.

The structure of the trust, including its assets and money in the bank, will remain in place ready for a fresh group to come forward and the situation will be reviewed in six to 12 months.

JMercia Haughan, a founding member of the trust’s executive, said: “It’s a sad moment to look at the record of activities since 2001.

“We’re all getting older and there weren’t enough people to do the things that needed to be done.

“We needed fresh blood as most organisations do but there are no or few young people coming forward.

“This is, to me, the lifeblood of society and it’s a pity that it’s fading away.”

The trust still has to complete a number of activities, including the installation of a blue plaque for Helena Thompson at the museum named after her and providing trophies for Workington Academy, before it is mothballed.

The trust’s minutes will be available at the archives office in Whitehaven.

The trust has celebrated and protects the area’s history with activities including placing plaques for notable people, monitoring at risk buildings and taking part in consultations for planning applications.