The Children's Society attracted criticism from residents and councillors when it removed its family support team from Braithwaite 18 months ago. The society's work on parenting, domestic violence and anti-bullying issues continued from offices above the society's shop in Cavendish Street.

Now the charity says it has no choice but to close the Keighley project next spring because funding partners cannot be found for its work. The shop will remain open.

Spokesman Tim Linehan says the decision was made with 'great reluctance' following a meeting last month with other local agencies. He says: "The Keighley project has provided an important resource to the community and the Children's Society would like to thank all the staff and volunteers for their contribution to the society and community."

Mr Linehan says the society's 90 projects in England and Wales rely on partners to part-fund services to young people, children and their families.

The Children's Society operated from the Keith Thompson Centre in Braithwaite for several years, providing training and support for local parents and allowing community groups to run other activities.

After deciding to move its small team into central Keighley, the charity agreed to provide a worker to help these groups ensure some services could continue.

Braithwaite People's Assoc-iation moved into the building earlier this year, renting it from the society and letting other groups run activities for children and pensioners.

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