A massive "people power" regeneration scheme has run into problems due to cuts in cash from Bradford Council.

The £108 million project covering Buttershaw, Woodside and Delph Hill estates won a major award from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget in 1992 - with an agreement from Bradford Council that the authority would provide £14 million part funding over seven years.

Now Royds Community Association, which is spearheading the scheme, has gone to the Government because the contributions have dwindled, including a £850,000 reduction in the coming year.

General manager Tony Dylak said it had managed to keep abreast of the scheme by shaving administration to the limit.

But he said: "Last year the Council made a major cut of £300,000 and haven't made it up.

"This year they are making a £850,000 cut to their contribution which would have paid for refurbishment of council houses and gardens. It is a matter of concern."

Royds won £31 million from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget in 1992, with an agreement of a £14 million contribution from the Council. Private funds have also been ploughed into the scheme to breathe new life and bring jobs to the estates after years of deprivation .

Today resident Enid Mole hit out angrily at Bradford Council for failing to come up in the cash.

She said: "Our ward councillors are doing their best but I am absolutely appalled by what has happened,"

Mrs Mole, 63, who has lived on Woodside estate for 40 years, said her house had been refurbished but many residents were worried.

She added: "I am sure the Royds board will look after the residents and the scheme will be completed.

"But I think the Council has a moral obligation to pay its share, even if it doesn't have a legal one. There was a gentlemen's agreement."

But housing committee chairman Councillor Barry Midwood said that the Council had been hit by Government spending cuts and had to be fair to all of its tenants.

"It is always regrettable when you get slippage but I am quite sure the programme will continue and be completed," he said.

A spokesman for the Government office in Leeds said: "It is an issue for the partnership and we have offered to chair a meeting. The Council has no legal obligation to pay its share."

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