Dumfries and Galloway elderly group lands cash lifeline

A funding lifeline has been found for an organisation representing thousands of elderly people across Dumfries and Galloway.

The Seniors Forum was facing closure under council plans to withdraw core support worth £40,000-a-year.

Following a rethink the authority is now recommending a £25,000 package.

Carole Williams, the forum's development manager, said although it was less than it had hoped for, it would give them some breathing space.

Hundreds of letters of support were sent to Dumfries and Galloway Council to help save the group.

The authority planned to withdraw financial support from the end of March, which prompted a warning from the forum that it would have to close.

However, the council has now revised the way it will fund what it calls "third sector" groups whose works complements the authority's services.