Yeadon Citizens' Advice Bureau has been forced to close because of cost cuts.

People wanting to use the service will have to travel to Otley for their nearest CAB.

But efforts are under way to find other premises in Yeadon to carry on the service and have it up and running again possibly by next month.

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

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

She said it cost the bureau £796 every year to hire a 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. We are at present looking for rent free premises so we can carry on our work in Yeadon, " said Mrs Nelson.

She said around just six people every week used the CAB service there.

Mrs Nelson added: "Those who can manage the journey to Otley will be offered help but I realise that for some it will be a hardship. We are hopeful of finding suitable rent-free premises so we can carry on our work in Yeadon and if we do then hopefully we will be able to reopen in October," she added.

Coun Moira Dunn (Lab, Aireborough) said she was disappointed to hear the service had been withdrawn but pointed out the bureau had been offered free premises at the Yeadon Community Centre which is situated in the grounds of South View Junior School but she had not yet had a response.

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

Coun Dunn said she was disappointed local councillors had not been asked for their opinions when the decision to close the facility was taken.

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

l The opening times for the Otley office, which is in Courthouse Street are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm and 1pm-3.30pm; Friday, 9.30am-12-30pm.

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