ROTARIANS and residents are hoping to build a 'big society' in Gerrards Cross – as cuts to the village youth centre and library service loom.

A group of volunteers believe there is a “reservoir of untapped good will” in the village, and are planning a summer fair to bring people together.

The new event will be on June 18 at the Memorial Centre on East Common. Rotarians will provide a barbecue and beer tent, while other groups can take the opportunity to showcase what they do.

Desmond Legg, the president of the Rotary Club of Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter, said: “Contact and dialogue are integral to building a community where neighbourliness and community responsibility can blossom.

“If we are successful we could set the standard for other communities to follow.”

Gerry Hoare, the president of the village Community Association, said: “The Memorial Centre still has additional capacity for new activities or expansion of existing ones...It is primarily self-funded and has been for over 60 years”

Mr Hoare is fighting to keep Gerrards Cross Youth Centre up and running as its staff will be made redundant under council plans. The village library is also under threat from closure unless volunteers can be found to run it.