An error by council officers allegedly led to the loss of Keighley Furniture Service's annual grant.

Isobel Scarborough, chairman of the service's parent organisation, Keighley Voluntary Services, claims her organisation followed the direct advice of the council. The application form was ret-urned marked 'not eligible' because two questions had not been filled in. But Dave Rogers, who filled in the form, had asked whether the questions had to be answered and was told 'no'.

As we report on page 1, groups are now campaigning against the wide-ranging cuts threatened by Bradford council.

Keighley Furniture Service provides cheap second-hand furniture and household items to Keighley families on low incomes. Without a £9,993 council grant, it will not receive a further £12,500 to pay its costs.

Safe Rider and Dial-A-Ride could be lost if Keighley Community Transport does not get council funding, says chairman Brian Hudson. He fears that the two well-used services could fold even though their own funding is secure.

The drivers are paid with Single Regeneration Budget cash but the services are coordinated by Community Transport manager Allan Harrison. Mr Harrison's wages are currently paid from the council's grant, which has been refused for the first time in many years.

Community Transport serves 200 local groups and transports thousands of people regularly, including the disabled and elderly. Mr Hudson says many people have expressed support for the organisation over the past few days.

Veteran community campaigner Mollie Jones has leapt to the defence of two threatened voluntary groups.

Molly has sent letters to the council supporting Community Transport and Keighley Disabled People's Council.

Writing on behalf of the Parkinson's Disease Society, says Community Transport gives excellent support.

She says the organisation's minibuses enable her members to travel to meetings and regain touch with a sympathetic human part of the outside world.

Mrs Jones also expressed support for Disabled People's Council advice officer Keith Bell, who will lose his job without council funding. She describes him as the 'best benefits adviser in the area'.

and an able and dedicated man.

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