A drugs scheme is fighting for its survival after it was refused a £27,000 grant by Bradford Council.

The Ripple Project in Buttershaw faces closure after the Council's decision to scrap funding for the community group and it is now appealing against the decision.

The Reevy Road West organisation is one of 57 groups across the district which has been hit by the announcement, owing to a lack of cash.

Voluntary groups apply for cash through a controversial points system. The group was told it did not meet the Council's funding criteria.

Project manager Yvonne Troy said it was essential that the organisation remained open. "It is clear that we are vital in the community. If not we will be left with addicts roaming the streets and no one to give them help."

Miss Troy said the project scored more than 100 points last year and did not understand why it had only notched up 45 points this year. The organisation scored 10 out of a possible 20 marks when asked if it worked with other agencies.

"You could only put one organisation down on the application form and we work with several, so we lost marks on that," she said. "We also only scored ten marks for saying we helped to rebuild communities."

The scheme, which has been running for more than a year, has just launched a sound production scheme in conjunction with York University for young offenders. And it has launched a radio production project for substance abusers, as well as treating and advising drug abusers.

Dr Michael Ross, who helps heroin addicts at the centre by treating them with methadone, said the news was a cruel blow to the community.

"I just do not understand it, this project cannot function without the cash and it was just beginning to get going. We are hoping that the decision will be overturned," he said.

Councillor Keith Thomson (Lab, Wibsey) said the scheme was very important for the local community.

"We always hear about the difficulties that drugs can cause and how it can destroy lives," he said. "This project helps local people and provides support to their families."

Barrie Scholfield, chairman of Bradford Community Health Council, said he would offer support to any organisation that provides assistance for drug or alcohol abuse.

A spokesman for the Council said: "Organisations which feel they have a strong case for funding should send written representations to the Council by 5pm on December 4. The final decision will be made on December 16."

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