The boss of a community transport scheme which folded earlier this month says he fears it needs at least £200,000 more to operate again.

Council bosses were meeting again today to discuss the rescue of Bradford Community Transport's fleet after an initial meeting on Friday.

But the transport group's chairman, John Adlington, said: "The Council is not going to be able to finance us.

"We need at least £150,000 to pay off our debts and then even more to get us up and running again. We could need as much as £200,000. I do not know where else we can get money. We cannot get credit because we owe so much.

"The Council is holding these meetings to suggest ways we can cut our costs but what we need is the cash injection to get us started."

As reported in last Monday's Telegraph & Argus, Community Transport group's 13 vehicles were grounded due to lack of cash, leaving thousands of pensioners and disabled people unable to get to day centres, hospitals and schools.

Cullingworth's Scarborough Court day centre had to close on Thursday because clients, mostly in their 70s or 80s, could not get there. Coordinator, Jennifer Sunderland, said: "My clients are devastated, A lot of them are socially isolated and look forward to coming here.

"It's affecting them badly and many are very confused. One lady paid £14 to get a taxi from the other side of Bradford. And a lady who lives in Denholme, who is deaf and socially isolated, fought her way here on public transport because she was missing the centre so much.

"We are still opening on Mondays but we will be shut on Thursdays until the transport situation is sorted."

Bradford Community Transport has had to cease trading because it cannot afford insurance and fuel.

Councillor Martin Smith, Bradford Council's executive member for social care, said: "We are trying to arrange for other providers to cover the Christmas period.

"A lot of community events happen at this time of year so we are turning every stone to sort out the problem, but there may be a few occasions that fall by the wayside."

Community Transport users who need emergency help should contact social services transport planning team on (01274) 437961.