News that another major voluntary organisation in Bradford has had its funding suspended is a blow not just to the many people who have been supported by it. It is a blow, too, to the image of the city and to the image of the many other voluntary organisations who work so hard to do so much to help people.

Following the Racial Equality Council's troubles, the news that the future of Bradford Victim Support is now in jeopardy because of management problems comes as a shock and a disappointment. An organisation like this is particularly valuable in a city which has a high level of crime and, therefore, many victims who need comforting and counselling and, in some cases, supporting to enable them to brave the ordeal of giving evidence in court.

The suggestion that the remaining caseload can be transferred to Keighley is not satisfactory. It might be acceptable as a stopgap measure, but a city the size of Bradford desperately needs its own victim support organisation. Keighley Victim Support no doubt provides a good service, but people should not have to travel ten miles to seek the benefits of it.

It is to be hoped that the situation which has led to this lack of confidence from Victim Support head office and suspension of Home Office funds can be resolved and that the organisation is quickly reconstituted - with a new management team, if deemed necessary, monitored by an independent watchdog. It is a group that Bradford cannot afford to lose.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.