A LARGE sum of money has vanished from a bank account set up to fund a children’s club at a community centre.

Police want to talk to two volunteers who help run the Kool 4 Kidz youth club in Chattenden, near Rochester.

The amount, said to be as much as £7,000 , was reported missing about three weeks ago. The volunteers, husband and wife Tony and Amanda Page, have not been seen for about the same period.

Detectives in Medway have appealed for the couple to contact them urgently. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have information about the money.

The couple are tenants of London and Quadrant Housing which manages the Chattenden Estate. They have not been seen lately at their home in Lodge Hill Lane.

Children living on the Chattenden estate are not sure if the Kool 4 Kidz youth club will be able to stay open for the rest of the year.

Anyone with information about the cash disappearance is asked to call Det Con Stefanie Alcott on 01634 884212.

Parents whose children attend the Kool 4 Kidz club are now concerned about the club’s future.

One mother, whose children enjoy sessions at the club, but wanted to remain anonymous, said: “It’s sad this has happened and there is no money left to run the club. It all seems to be a bit of a mess.

“It took ages to get the club up and running. We really had to fight to get something good here for the children to do.

“It was something my children looked forward to every week, and it quite hard to explain to them why they might not be able to enjoy the club again.”

A spokesman for London and Quadrant Housing said: “Our organisation supported the set-up of the Kool 4 Kidz youth club on the Chattenden Estate through our community development programme, Quadrant Community Investment.

“The grant we provided in April, 2004, helped to purchase equipment for the club and paid for the first year’s hire of the club premises from Medway Council.

Group director, David Gannicott, added: “We are very concerned to hear this money has gone missing.

“We can assure residents we will do all we can to assist the police in finding those responsible.

“Paul Nehra, our Neighbourhood Investment co-ordinator, is in touch with the club’s management committee to help the club get back on their feet.”

A spokesman for Medway Council said: “The council rented space at Chattenden Community Centre to a youth club set up by Amanda and Tony Page in April, 2004.

“The club did not receive funding from the council, but did receive grants from London & Quadrant Housing Association and the Kent Community Fund.”