A NOT-FOR-PROFIT charity which supports thousands of elderly and disabled people is in danger of going under.

Hyndburn Homewise, which offers free advice, a handyman service and cheap, recycled disability aids, have lost a £50,000 funding pot.

The group said it had lost out against large construction firms in a recent competitive bid for the Lancashire County Council contract to install home disability adaptations.

Hyndburn Homewise, which supports 4,000 residents in the borough, said it was a major blow after supplying the service to the council for 20 years.

Three members of staff connected with the county council contract are in immediate danger of losing their jobs. However manager Sue Sinclair said the whole Accrington-based charity could go under unless they can find a replacement for the lost funding.

She said: “We are also very concerned that this decision to replace us with a construction firm won’t work out very well for the people concerned.

“Because of our set-up we can offer a lot of extended help to vulnerable people in need. As a not-for-profit group, we just find a way to help people in all circumstances. We don’t think any major firm, even those with the best of intentions, can do the same. They are a business and even if they are cheaper in the short term, they will only do what is cost-effective long term.

“While we can keep going for some time, eventually we will have to replace this lost funding or go under. When all other sources of funding are being cut, it doesn’t look good.

“Had we been given more notice, my staff would have been able to look for other jobs. We could also have started planning how we are to survive. I would have expected something like six months, but we only have six weeks notice.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “The new contract offers better value both for the county council and the people we serve.

“It’s the result of a countywide review to bring together repair, maintenance and smaller works to ensure that we deliver this service in the most efficient and effective way.

“As a result, from June 3, we will be providing minor aids and adaptations services to older and disabled people in East Lancashire through Kier, a major company operating across the North West.”