An advice service helping hard-up families cut fuel bills through "green measures" could be forced to close due to a lack of cash.

The Bradford Energy Management Agency (BEMA), which has been in operation for two years, has helped thousands of disadvantaged families tackle fuel poverty with advice and information on home energy-saving methods.

As well as providing advice over the phone, the organisation has a mobile information centre, a regular visitor to housing estates across the district where staff give out leaflets and factsheets on how to save energy in the home and protect the environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels.

But the organisation has now hit a crisis and could be forced to close in March when European Commission funding runs out.

Manager Philip Addy said: "The organisation is two-thirds funded by Bradford Council and one-third from the European Commission, but the European money is due to run out at the end of March.

"Although we have help from the council, this help is in kind, such as providing us with various office facilities.

"Without European money, we desperately need money to cover our core operating costs.

"There is enormous future potential for BEMA, and the plans we are already developing could make a huge contribution to the lives of those living in the Bradford district. However, none of this will happen if BEMA is no longer here after March."

The organisation needs a minimum of £165,000 a year if it is to remain in operation.

"We need as much of possible if we're to remain open," added Mr Addy.

"Every penny we receive will be put into commissioning large scale projects throughout the district where we can promote energy efficiency in people's homes."

The organisation needs pledges of funding as soon as possible. Any- one who can help should contact Philip Addy on Bradford 75385 .

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