A CLOSURE-threatened disabled people's charity is saved - after the Argus highlighted its plight.

We reported in April how Blaenau Gwent Council for the Disabled, used by more than 50 people like Thelma Stead, was facing closure after 29 years because Blaenau Gwent council was proposing to slash its funding by half.

The charity provides breakfast, lunch and activities every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Blaina's Arosfa Day Centre, but was told by the local social services department that its funding would be cut from £24,000 to £12,000 this year because of "limited financial resources".

The cash funds buses and drivers to bring members of the group to Blaina from all over the borough, and the huge budget cut would have forced the group to close.

But Blaenau Gwent council has now agreed to phase in the £12,000 cut over three years, giving the group time to find alternative funding.

The charity's vice chairman Cllr Haydn Trollope said they were "inundated" with calls of concern and support after the Argus reported its plight, but said the council's change of heart meant the group could now continue as a "lifeline" to many who would otherwise be housebound.

Cllr Trollope said: "We would like to thank the Argus for highlighting our situation."

Founding member of the charity Hilda Barwell added: "I'm very, very relieved."

Wheelchair user Jackie Blosse, 43, from Six Bells, has been coming to the group for 28 years.

She said: "It's wonderful it doesn't have to close. Without it there would be nowhere else to go."

Blaenau Gwent council said social services officers have offered to work with the group to help it establish future financial security and that it received a total of £73,000 from various council departments last year.