A housing advice group in Braithwaite is to fold - but its services will be provided by a sister organisation. Braithwaite Action Group (BAG) is set to wind up at the end of the month because it cannot find cash to continue its work. Members run regular advice surgeries at the Keith Thompson Centre but have been unsuccessful in gaining a council grant to pay the rent.

Braithwaite People's Association (BPA), which runs the centre, will now run weekly ad-vice sessions tackling other issues as well as housing. Most members of BAG are connected with BPA, which acts as an umbrella for several groups in Braithwaite. John Philip, treasurer of both organisations, says residents have been confused about which group was which.

Meanwhile, the BPA plans to expand activities at the Keith Thompson Centre for pensioners from next month. It also hopes to recruit jobless young people to help disabled and elderly residents using equipment from Braithwaite's tool library. Mr Philip says the BPA's two holiday playschemes, which began this week, are proving popular with estate youngsters.

The Keith Thompson Centre is hosting activities for five to eight-year-olds and Our Lady of Victories Primary School is running sessions for eight to 12-year-olds, both five days a week.

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