A disabled pensioner is calling for action to help thousands of people get money back from a credit union.

Jimmy McMullan, 68, plans to stage a meeting of members of the St Columba's Credit Union at Bierley Community Centre, Bradford.

And he wants to form an action group to focus on ways to help residents in Holme Wood and Bierley left angry and frightened by the abrupt closure of the union.

Mr McMullan is hoping Bradford MP Gerry Sutcliffe and Tong councillor John Ruding will help the campaign.

The credit union closed down last week leaving hundreds of people strapped for cash. An angry crowd banged on the door of its locked offices on Tong Street.

Up to 5,000 people were left unable to draw wages, pensions, benefits and savings. Mr McMullan, of Daffles Wood Close, Bierley, said he and another family member had £8,000 life-savings in the union. The retired builder, who walks with sticks, said he had been in shock since learning of its closure. He said: "I am hoping to set up an action group. I feel we have been left high and dry and we haven't been told anything. Never in my wildest dreams did I think anything like this would ever happen.

"One old lady was crying, she was in a terrible state. Everybody is just so worried about their money."

The union says it closed because of illness among its ageing committee and robberies on its staff and members.

A pregnant union member was robbed of £1,000 after she left the office in August and in April, 2004, three men threatened its staff and snatched cash.

Robin Gordon-Walker, of the Financial Services Authority, which regulates the union, said its assets had been almost wholly frozen. "From the start of this week the only thing it is allowed to do is to receive money back on loans - it can't take deposits, pay out to members or make new loans," he said.

Heather Tilston, of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, said it was waiting for the FSA to refer the credit union to them.

She said: "Once it has been referred we will need to go through the credit union's accounts to see whether or not it can return its members' savings. If it is financially unable to do so, the FSCS can step in and pay compensation to those members who have lost money.

"The FSCS will be writing to all members of this credit union in the next couple of weeks to explain how they can claim compensation from us for savings they have lost," she said.

Members will receive the first £2,000 of their money back in full. After that, they will get 90 per cent returned up to £31,700.

"The majority of people should get most of their money back," Mrs Tilston said.

No one at the credit union was available to comment.

Mr McMullan said members could contact him on Bradford (01274) 680138.

e-mail: newsdesk@bradford.newsquest.co.uk