An expert on disability among Asian people said some families are living in worse conditions than the Third World because so little help is available in Bradford.

Bary Malik, who used to run the award winning Asian arm of DIAL (Disability Information and Advice Line) in the city, said action must be taken to address the needs of the rapidly growing number of disabled children in the district.

His comments came after the publication today of a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlighting the difficulties faced by ethnic minority families with disabled children.

For the report, prepared by the Universities of Bradford and York, 600 families were interviewed and it was revealed that many had net incomes of less than £200 a week - with lone parents suffering the most.

Mr Malik said: "It's very disappointing and depressing to see that there is so much need and Social Services close their eyes.

"People in Pakistan and India don't live like some of the families I have seen where there is no care for them. It's very sad.

"These people don't want to listen to fancy statements. They want practical help. I hope after this report, Bradford Council and Social Services will wake up and realise it's a huge problem which they have to face."

Social Services Chairman John Godward denied "eyes were shut" to the great need and said more would be done if funding was available.

He said the report's findings would be carefully studied.

One of the report's authors, Professor Waqar Ahmad, said: "This research reveals that there is an added depth and intensity to the problems faced by ethnic minority families which policy makers must take on board as a matter of urgency.

"Poor communication with professional care services, lack of recognition of parents' needs, as well as lack of support and high levels of economic disadvantage, have left too many of these families on the edge."

The Asian arm of DIAL was closed earlier this year because of lack of funding.

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