A DESPERATE bid is being made to raise £50,000 by January 12 by a group which helps thousands of people with debt and other problems on the Yorkshire coast - or it faces closure.

Part of the problems of the Scarborough and district Citizens Advice Bureau were caused by its former treasurer, Gerald Waterworth, who was jailed nearly a year ago for theft, said the chairman, Coun Dorothy Clegg.

"His conviction and the resultant publicity led to a significant drop in donations and income to the CAB," she said. Waterworth was jailed for 18 months for stealing £200,000 from the CAB and his employer, Scarborough Building Society, of which he was a director.

Coun Clegg said the CAB had last year helped people with debts totalling £3.5m in the Scarborough, Whitby and Filey area and in the past year had secured £537,000 in welfare benefits for people, many in dire straits. "This money is in turn spent in the local economy so the community does benefit as well."

"It is unthinkable that the CAB should have to fold, but that is the reality unless we can get substantial funds quickly."

A major appeal has now been launched to over 70 leading businesses on the coast seeking help.

"Many people think we are funded by the Government, but it is just not so," said Coun Clegg. "Other than grants from North Yorkshire County Council and Scarborough council, we have to find much of our money - about two-thirds -

from outside sources."

The former mayor of Scarborough and long-serving member on the CAB executive added: "The CAB is a lifeline for many people with debt and other problems in their lives, because most cannot afford to seek professional legal advice."

As well as its main office in Roscoe Street, Scarborough, the CAB has satellite offices at Filey's Evron Centre and the Whitby Volunteer Centre,

both of which also face closure.

The area's MP, Lawrie Quinn, has now been asked to help and is seeking an urgent meeting with the chief executives of North Yorkshire County and Scarborough councils.

"The CAB is a huge asset to the people living on the coast, giving advice on financial matters and on their rights," said Coun Clegg. "We deal with over 17,000 inquiries a year and the demand is rising 30pc annually."

The bureau's help extends to whole families, she said. "Financial problems can often lead to domestic troubles and I believe we have kept many families together because we have been able to resolve the cash difficulties."

The CAB is run by three full and three part-time staff and 55 volunteers. It has been in existence for 65 years.

"We have helped tens of thousands of people during that time," said Coun Clegg.

Anyone able to help is asked to contact Coun Clegg on (01947) 603553.

Updated: 12:50 Monday, December 29, 2003