THE leader of Worcestershire County Council is going to intervene in a bid to stop a 'crisis fund' being shelved.

Your Worcester News can reveal how Councillor Adrian Hardman is planning to raise the matter with county MPs to try and twist the Government's hand.

Last year £900,000 was handed to south Worcestershire to launch a new project to give vulnerable people help with items like food vouchers, furniture, microwaves and beds.

So far it has helped more than 1,400 people, but the money is ending in March next year and the Government has not indicated what will happen beyond then.

The 'welfare assistance scheme' was aimed to replacing the old crisis grants system used by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Councillors around Worcestershire say they are worried about the implications of it ending.

The Government has handed similar sums of money to local authorities around the country to launch crisis funds.

Liberal Councillor Fran Oborski said: "I am really worried about the potential removal of this social fund money.

"I'm very concerned, potentially that a large number of people who have managed to stay in their homes because of this fund will get into difficulties and face possible eviction and homelessness."

Her view was shared by Councillor Liz Tucker, Liberal Democrat group leader, who said it was vital to "lobby MPs".

Labour Councillor Chris Bloore said: "The welfare changes by this Government have been horrendous to many people in my area."

Cllr Hardman, speaking during a full council meeting, said: "We have been giving this issue some consideration.

"I do think this funding should be maintained and I've got a meeting on (Monday) December 8 with all our county MPs, and have put this topic on the agenda already."

Worcester City Council agreed to manage the project last year for the south of the county, handling applications for people in Malvern and Wychavon too.

The money was originally handed to County Hall, before the city council expressed an interest in running it.

It offers help with basic day-to-day living for those deemed to be in genuine crisis.

Worcester MP Robin Walker has already made representations to the Government on it.