A Keighley community centre launched last year and praised by a Government minister is facing closure.

Bosses at Parents Advice Centre Keighley (PACK) say major funding is essential for the vital service to survive.

Operations director, John Toothill, said the shortfall was already having a serious impact, forcing the centre to cut back on a planned increase in courses.

He added: “This could lead to potential closure unless some essential funding can be obtained. We will continue to try to operate the centre with increased voluntary help and fight to secure further funding.

“We would welcome any offers of help, support or donations from individuals, businesses or other organisations.”

Mr Toothill revealed Bradford Council could not maintain its current funding due to reductions in its own budget.

PACK was opened in September last year by immigration minister Damian Green during a ceremony attended by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins and councillors.

Since then, PACK has run a variety of courses, including parenting, literacy and numeracy, health and IT, as well as hosting job clubs, a music group, advice and counselling services.

Mr Toothill said PACK had start-up funding of £36,000 a year for three years from various Bradford Council pots, but the money is unlikely to last until March.

Councillor Ralph Berry, the local authority’s member with responsibility for children and young people’s services, agreed the centre was providing helpful services.

Mr Hopkins said: “I appreciate we are in a period where finances are limited and Bradford Council, like other public bodies, has difficult choices to make.”