Cuts have forced Yeadon Citizens Advice Bureau to close.

Now, people wanting to use the service will have to travel to Otley to find the nearest CAB.

But efforts are underway to find other premises in Yeadon - it is hoped the service will be up and running again soon, possibly by next month.

The closure has been met with dismay by Aireborough councillors and Paul Truswell MP, who have called for a meeting with CAB representatives.

Jean Nelson, manager of Otley CAB, said the decision to close the Yeadon office had been made reluctantly because of cuts in the budget.

She said it cost the bureau £796 each year to hire the room in Yeadon Town Hall where the bureau was based.

"We are concerned about the people of Yeadon who use the bureau and we are trying to be as helpful as possible," she said. " We are looking for rent free premises so we can carry on our work in Yeadon."

She said the average number of people using the CAB service at Yeadon each week was six.

"Those who can manage the journey to Otley will be offered help but I realise that for some it will be a hardship," she said.

"We are hopeful of finding suitable rent-free premises so we can carry on our work in Yeadon and if we do, hopefully, we will be able to re-open in October."

Coun Moira Dunn (Lab, Aireborough) was disappointed to hear the service had been withdraw. But, she added, the CAB had been offered free premises at Yeadon Community Centre in the grounds of South View Junior School but had not yet responded.

"I have been told they are investigating the matter but they have not said 'no' to the offer and they have not said 'yes'," said Coun Dunn.

She was disappointed local councillors had not been asked for their opinions when the decision to close the facility was taken.

Coun Dunn said she and the two other Aireborough councillors Coun Mike Dunn and Coun Tony Addison along with Paul Truswell MP, were hoping to meet representatives of the bureau this week.

The Otley office in Courthouse Street is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1pm-3.30pm; Friday, 9.30am-12-30pm.

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