Halfway into its four-year funding from England Athletics, the Bradford Athletics Network (BAN) undertook a fundamental review of itself on Friday evening at Wagon Lane, Bingley.

One consideration had been to employ a half-time co-ordinator to undertake the administrative work undertaken by hard-pressed volunteers.

But this proposal was rejected in favour of continuing to spend all the funds on projects to meet the needs of clubs and all runners in the Bradford area.

Instead, a proposal from John Dennis, of Keighley & Craven AC, was accepted.

It would devolve a third of the budget to clubs, almost two-thirds to coaching and competition, with a small residue for co-ordination and communication.

Under the core budget for coaching and competition, current successful BAN projects would continue.

In particular, Shirley Wood (Ilkley Harriers) would retain funding for a wide range of youth projects.

Chris Hainsworth (Bradford-Airedale) and Dennis would work on the existing “Athletics Academy” for 16-to-25 year-olds based at Bradford College.

The aim was to expand the offering to everyone in the age group, and to students from the University, University Academy Keighley and from colleges in Kirklees.

The “Adult Endurance Training” programme, led by top coaches Brian Scobie and Ilona Melounova, would also continue.

Finally, Dennis argued strongly for the retention of a Social Enterprise, with BAN’s Co-ordination Group acting as a shadow board for it.

Its purpose would be to bring in funds to continue the activities of BAN, which might then include money for an employee.

Longer-term, BAN are aware that funding would reduce from 2013 and were also aware that clubs and athletes needed to accept a change of culture and be prepared to pay for training and facilities.

This new structure is far simpler than the old, and met the approval of England Ahtletics’ local representative Lucy Birkenshaw.

BAN chairman Mike Moss wrote to thank the retiring Claire Mabey and yours truly for all the work that they have both done to get BAN to its current position.

Moss said: "I do realise the personal cost involved and we do thank you for that commitment.”