A BIGGIN Hill residents' association is in crisis due to a shortage of paid-up members.

Biggin Hill and District Residents' Association was established in 1934.

However, since a subscriptions secretary retired recently, no-one has joined up.

Two years ago the group had about 400 members.

They are looking to recruit at least 1,000 now, to have the support of 25 per cent of households.

A leaflet drop is planned to get people involved in the campaigning organisation which is represented on the airport consultative committee, Bromley Council's Road Safety Panel and Bromley Police Community Consultative Group.

At a public meeting in the village, chairman David Haslam said: “We are looking for support from all parts of the community.

“We can't represent them unless they are right behind us.

“In the past groups of residents have joined when a specific issue affected them and the association has taken up their case, often with a successful result.

“Having achieved what they wanted, these members have left.

“Who would they have turned to if the association had been discontinued through lack of members?”

The annual subscription fee is £5 for a household, or £3 for any household containing a pensioner.

Members receive newsletters and are invited to attend open meetings.