TOUGH times lie ahead for the Forest Citizens Advice Bureau but the focus is on keeping them running, even if at a reduced service.

Manager, Lynne Teague (check sp) explained: "We've already had a 15 per cent reduction in our SLA (Service Level Agreement) funding from the district council.

"We've had to close our Wednesday morning session in Cinderford which means we haven't got a premises open in the Forest anywhere on a Wednesday.

"We've had to make a member of staff redundant and there is no outreach funding granted beyond December of this year.

"Home visiting funding runs out in September and after December no outreach funding at all, so we're desperately trying to find sources of funding, but we're in a race with other organisations."

Additionally says Lynne, because Age Concern's advocacy service has come to an end in Lydney CABs are picking up some of that casework.

For extra backup the Forest CABs have joined the Gloucester arm of Advice Line which offers what's called a 'gateway' interview from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

"But our face to face availability to visit people in their own homes could be seriously compromised. And if there are cuts to Legal Aid, who knows what will happen. Debt and benefits enquiries form the majority of our work."

The outlook is not all black. There are pots of money, with Community Development funding for a further eight months, grants from Coleford Town Council, Gloucestershire Community Foundation, the Nationwide and a home visiting officer funded by the Barnwood Trust.

Costs have been cut on phone leases, refreshments, pay and training although volunteers still need to be paid for out of pocket expenses and childcare.

"I'm constantly putting in bids for funding," says Lynne. "And I do have a few irons in the fire. We're even thinking about setting up a Friends of the CAB and remember, we do accept donations, no matter how big or small."

•For the first time ever the Forest CABs are organising a fundraising concert - a feast of music on September 17 at the Baptist Church in Coleford featuring, among others, Drybrook Male Voice Choir and the Coalway Singers.