A community centre has received a grant from Bradford council which will allow it to maintain its current service.

Keighley's Bangladeshi Com-munity Association has recei-ved an £11,650 grant from the council's Economic Initiatives Division which will allow it to keep its part-time advice worker. The association had applied for a grant in the region of £29,000 in the hope of installing a full-time advice worker.

Members received the news this week after they had presented their case to the Economic Initiative Division at Jacob's Well in Bradford.

The cash will go towards maintaining the association's current immigration advice and youth service, as well as the running costs of the association's Shurma Building headquarters in Kensington Street.

Chairman Shokot Ali says: "Although we are disappointed that we didn't get the full amount, we are satisfied with the grant, which will allow us to continue the service we have provided for the last 15 years.

"We have received tremendous support from our management committee and MP Ann Cryer and we would also like to thank councillors Malcolm Slater and John Prestage for their continued support." Cllr Slater adds: "The association provides essential services and advice for the Bangladeshi community in Keighley. They have a lot of super people who work there on a voluntary basis."

The centre provides a focal point for the Bangladeshi community in Keighley, and is staffed on a part-time basis by Advice Worker Abdul Motin. As well as providing immigration advice for members of the community, it also doubles as a meeting place for young people.

The association has recently launched after-school study sessions to help youngsters with their homework. The initiative provides young people with support, as well as access to the centre's computers. Parents are encouraged to join their children during the sessions which take place from 7-9pm, Monday to Friday.

A collection by the association in aid of flood victims in Bangladesh has raised £560.

Shokot Ali adds: "We would like to say a special thankyou to all those who contributed and took part in the appeal."

The Shurma Building is open for advice on Mondays and Tuesdays between 11am and 4pm and 2.30-7.30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

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