A SERVICE aimed at boosting the work of ethnic minorities in business is pulling out of north Oxfordshire.

The Ethnic Minority Business Service, which has its headquarters in Oxford, has decided to close its Banbury branch.

The chairman of the service, Mohommed Azal, said funds from the Grimsbury Regeneration Partnership which had enabled the service to expand to Banbury two years ago were coming to an end. Grants from the Single Regeneration Board (SRB) were also expected to cease by the end of March 2000.

Mr Azal warned that the service has now reached a financial crossroads and must "stop and take stock." He said: "The EMBS board is convinced that the work being done in Banbury is significant and needs to be continued.

"But with the SRB in Oxford expected to end by March of 2000, the EMBS has no further assured funding."

In the year to March 31, 1998, the service had £160,000 income from grants and sponsorship of which £40,000 came from SRB and another £37,000 from Grimsbury.

Mr Afzal added: "While we acknowledge with gratitude the financial support we have received from the Heart of England TEC, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council, we also call on them to recognise the effective use we have made of this funding."

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