TRUSTEES at South Yorkshire Women’s Aid (Doncaster) have rejected allegations that they planned to fire a member of staff for campaigning against council cuts.

The charity expressed its grave concern that a campaign to save the job of Louise Harrison, who works for the centre, was “not reported correctly” by the Morning Star and that they had not been contacted for comment.

The centre has helped thousands of victims of domestic violence and has fought a desperate battle over the last year to keep its funding, which has been threatened by Tory budget cuts.

Its trustees wish to clarify that Ms Harrison was not threatened with the sack.

A letter to Ms Harrison seen separately by the Star states that her one-year “contract might not be renewed.”

A statement from the charity clarifies that it “totally reject[s] the suggestion that this issue has been prompted by Doncaster Council.

“The issue which has arisen is completely unconnected either with the charity’s recent campaign or with Doncaster Council.”

The women’s aid centre confirmed that it was “continuing to fight for the funding which is essential to maintain the service.”

“We would like to make it very clear that the service is still very much operational,” one trustee told the Morning Star.

“Our amazing staff are continuing to maintain a quality-driven service under extremely difficult circumstances, and we are very proud of the commitment and fortitude they are displaying.

“We would like to thank local people for their continued support and donations, which are very much appreciated.”

Local MPs have been supportive and Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton has pushed hard to secure funding for the charity, they say.

“Finally, we have to say we have been shocked and saddened by the whole campaign and the reaction of our employee.”