Many of those using the service are vulnerable children

The Upper Nithsdale Family Project has run for 11 years in one of Dumfries and Galloway's most deprived areas.

Operators NCH Scotland are seeking support from the council to meet a �56,000 budget shortfall.

The authority is being recommended to meet the costs in the short term and to explore other funding options to secure its long-term future.

The Upper Nithsdale project is designed to provide support and early intervention to vulnerable families and children in areas of need and social isolation.

More than 200 people - about half of them youngsters - currently use the service.

Question mark

NCH Scotland offers varying levels of assistance ranging from advice and guidance to intensive support packages.

However, the costs involved have been rising year-on-year and a financial question mark has now been raised about the project's future.

NCH says it can no longer meet the deficit between the amount it receives from the council - currently about �112,000 - and the actual cost of running the service which stands at more than �195,000.

A series of measures to drive down the costs have already been identified but a �56,000 shortfall remains.