Those good people who have dedicated their lives, either in a voluntary or working capacity, to support Manorlands must be delighted with the dramatic reduction in its financial deficit.

To have come through the ravages of the foot and mouth crisis which led to the cancellation of so many events with a six figure reduction is excellent news. The reason given for the increase has been a greater than expected level of donations. We must echo thanks to those who willingly gave.

But there appears to be a reluctance within other areas to release the funding purse strings and give the hospice at Oxenhope the minimum amount of support recommended by the government.

The maths are simple, according to the Manorlands treasurer. If the local health authority followed the guidance and coughed up 50 per cent of its funding the hospice's deficit would be wiped out. The hospice is still 12 per cent short of its expenditure. Add to this the fact the the hospice has not yet heard how much it is to get from the Bradford North Primary Care Trust this financial year.

Treasurer Gordon Senior says he understands the PCT has a tremendous amount of work on, but it is disappointing to note that having received the last funding from Bradford Health Authority they still have no idea how much they are to get in the new year. Tactfully put. But why, oh why, should organisations and teams such as those at Manorlands have to continually beat the drum to get the bureaucrats to do what they should be doing?

Manorlands is going through a period of change, and head of care Sue Hesse believes the hospice is going to be a stronger and much more dynamic place because of new skills people are bringing in. That is great news.

On behalf of residents of this area we express our heartfelt thanks to the Manorlands team, and urge the PCT to meet the 50 per cent funding target.