AN organisation that aims to protect Taunton’s past and future buildings could fold due to falling membership.

A recruitment drive aims to save Taunton and District Civic Society, but the chairman has warned members may have to “bow to the inevitable”.

The crisis surfaced after three committee members announced they were standing down and replacements could not be found.

Chairman Fran Pitt is retiring, secretary Graham Ward is leaving for health reasons and treasurer Roger Gilbraith is moving away.

Mrs Pitt said the society would soon only have three committee members, which is “unsustainable”.

She added: “No-one came forward at the last AGM to commit to taking on these key roles and no-one has since approached us to enquire about them.

“Unless volunteers can be found very quickly, the society will be disbanded at the AGM in March.”

Mrs Pitt suggested a special general meeting might help find new officers, but added that the group, founded in the 1970s, could not legally continue without filling the main posts.

She told members: “Circumstances can change if people are prepared to work on them – members might come forward at an SGM.

“You might find someone prepared, not just to join, but to give the society commitment.

“Over the next two months we need help to hold a recruitment drive.”

A display is taking place at Taunton Library next month in an effort to attract more “proactive” interest.

Mrs Pitt added: “If, however, there’s no longer any enthusiasm to keep the society running, then we must bow to the inevitable.”