CAB service to be revived.

Byline: By Neil Elkes

CASTLE Vale's Citizen's Advice Bureau could be revived just a few weeks after closure due to lack of funds, it has emerged.

Birmingham's Bureau chief executive Yvonne Davis revealed that Castle Vale Community Housing Association is interested in funding an advice service on Birmingham's largest post war estate and they are currently in talks.

She was facing a question from Birmingham's Housing Scrutiny Committee over the decision to close the service earlier this year.

Coun Ann Holtom (Lib Dem, Tyburn) said: "When our local advice bureau closed, it was well used and staff felt they needed more support. In this economic situation you would expect there is going to be even more need for debt advice."

But Ms Davis defended the decision saying it was based on the needs of the service.

"It was made as a business decision. Even though you say it was well used it was not comparable to other areas.

"We have a telephone advice service, staffed by qualified case workers, which is open from 10am to 3pm every day and can deal with most enquiries."

She said that following the closure the Housing Association had been in touch about 'buying in' the CAB service and this was currently under negotiation.