A COMMUNITY and children's centre says its future is "in doubt" and is appealing for people to rally together to secure its survival.

Wyke Community and Children's Centre, Huddersfield Road, which has been a registered charity since 2008, has provided a range of services to people in and around the area since the 1990s.

But it says its future is in doubt after Council funding cuts.

It recently had to suspended its daily day care provision for elderly people as a result. It had been brought back to the Huddersfield Road site in a bid to save money, but it was no longer sustainable.

In a statement, the centre told the Telegraph & Argus: "The provision, described as a ‘lifeline’ for many residents, was no longer financially viable.

"Also, at risk, are the centre’s nursery provision and out of school hours and holiday club for primary age children.

"Centre Trustees and managers had hoped a third party would take over the running of the centre. However, few have come forward."

The charity says it is proud of meeting the needs of a "disproportionate" number of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

It's hoped a long-term plan can be found to ensure the centre can continue its work.

It's now appealing for local residents, businesses and other providers for support, including through fundraising activities.

A bonfire and firework show will be held on Friday, November 1, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

The firework display will begin at 7.30pm and refreshments will be available on the night. A nominal entrance fee will go towards the centre’s cause.

The centre is also inviting local businesses to sponsor the event, whether it be general support or for parts of the event like the firework display.

A Just Giving page has been set up to help the centre and can be found by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wyke-ccc.

The centre says its long-term survival would require a merger or takeover by an organisation that has a similar community ethos.

Interested parties are asked to contact the centre by emailing savewykecc@gmail.com.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “The Council’s net budget in 2020 will be half what it was in 2010 in real terms as a result of central government cuts.

"At the same time demand for many services has increased.

"This means that we have had to transform the way in which we deliver many community services.

" In 2018, the Council carried out a thorough consultation on how best to provide the services that babies, children, young people and families need.

"Many of these services are now provided at a range of centres in our South Bradford Family Hub, including Wyke.” For more information about the centre, search 'Wyke Community and Children's Centre on Facebook.