Herefordshire Council is looking to replace the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) with a new service after recommendations were made to not renew its grant.

Cabinet members will consider proposals to not renew the £117,460 grant which ends in March 2015, and purchase a new information and advice service.

The Council say the changing legislation, an increased demand for care and a need to balance a significantly reduced budget are the reasons behind the plans. The Council will still provide free accommodation for the CAB, worth over £75,000 per year.

Joyce Thomas, former Mayor of Ross told the Ross Gazette: "Having been involved, in the 1980s, in the setting up of the original Ross Advisory Service with Barbara Jordan, local solicitor, I am well aware of the importance of the CAB and the excellent work it does in supporting local people, particularly in times of personal difficulties and involving issues of debt, benefits and legal matters.

"I am therefore very concerned indeed that Herefordshire Council has decided to withdraw its funding from the Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureau, as this will directly affect the CAB service provided here in Ross."

See the full story in this week's Ross Gazette.