Council leaders accused after town's charity trust closes

Coun Ian Cooper, (Con., Todmorden), complained that as a ward councillor he should have been consulted over the future of Todmorden Together, which provided support for between 30 and 40 groups in the town.

The charitable trust was born in 2000 as part of the Government's Single Regeneration Budget and over the past decade has organised many community events attracting thousands of people.

When its demise was revealed, Louise Castro of Todmorden Together said: "It's heart-breaking really. I just want to cry."

Eighteen months ago the funding it received from the Big Lottery came to an end and it has struggled to survive since then.

Its plight was brought to the attention of Coun David O'Neill, cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, by Coun Cooper who asked: "Why a decision had been taken about the closure of Todmorden Together, a charitable trust, without ward councillors being informed or involved, and what assurances could be given about upholding the principle of defending front line services and protecting the most vulnerable people in Calderdale?"

Coun O'Neill understood ward councillors had not been excluded. "I can confirm that as portfolio holder and the current administration of Calderdale Council are fully committed to delivering front line services and protecting vulnerable people.

"As I am sure you are aware the council has previously supported Todmorden Together through a Connecting Communities funding award which expired in March 2010. We have made available funding from our voluntary sector commissioning programme."

Coun Cooper replied: "I am acutely aware that funding is a matter of priority and choice and my point is that this could have been exercised in favour of Todmorden Together should people have so wished."

He added: "They appear to be misleading people, washing their hands and saying: 'not my problem, Guv'."

Council leader Janet Battye said: "It would never be my intention to mislead anyone. My understanding was that there was no substantial funding."