ARTS projects hit by £70,000 funding cuts hope to have secured the shortfall.

Kirklees Theatre Trust, the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (HCMF) and Proper Job Theatre Projects all lost out with the demise of the West Yorkshire Grants system, which Kirklees Council contributed to.

But each could stand to benefit if Kirklees Cabinet members back a new funding stream for the groups.

James Beale, one of the directors at Proper Job Theatre Projects, welcomed the news the Byram Arcade-based group could receive £13,676 from the council.

He said: “It is going to be massively important to us.

“West Yorkshire Grants provided us with an income which sustains the charity. For us to continue as a charity and keep that going is incredibly difficult but this will really help.

“I think Kirklees Council really values what art can bring to the community, they appreciate it helps the profile of the town.

“We really hope they will back the proposal.”

Proper Job Theatre Projects provides theatre productions and works with unemployed people to use drama to improve self-esteem. They also run education projects with schools and a youth theatre.

Mr Beale added: “The crucial thing is that while everyone is feeling funding cuts ours are much bigger.