More than 15 Leicester charities are facing cuts totalling up to £250,000.

The groups set to be hit include Mosaic, a group for the disabled, the Quetzal Project for victims of childhood sexual abuse, and the West Indian Senior Citizens' Project.

Furious charity bosses have criticised the city council, saying the services they provide were vital to some of Leicester's most vulnerable residents.

"The people who we look after really benefit from the care we give," said Lee Morris, of the senior citizens' project. "What's going to happen to them if there's no funding?"

Mosaic director Barbara Howard said: "I am really disappointed. It would mean us having to cut our holidays for people with disabilities altogether."

The cash-strapped council said it had to make savings in its budget, but would give groups chance to appeal against cuts.

Voluntary Action Leicester - the city's umbrella body for charities - urged charities affected to get in touch for help in making an appeal.

The city council hands out money to voluntary groups to fund services it would otherwise have to provide itself. However, a number of these organisations, it says, are receiving cash for schemes that are not strictly the council's responsibility.

These "B-list" groups, such as Mosaic and the senior citizens' project, have been told they face phased reductions in funding over the next four years.

"A-list" voluntary groups and charities will be saved from cuts and could even get more money. These include larger organisations which have had their funding frozen over previous years. The council spends about £5 million a year on groups run on a voluntary or charitable basis. City social services director Andrew Cozens said: "The social services budget is under considerable pressure. It does not seem unreasonable that we apply the same rigour to funding voluntary groups that we apply to our own services.

"Voluntary organisations have access to other sources of income. We are hoping to reach amicable decisions with each group."

Liberal Democrat councillor Geoff Walker helped secure a right of appeal for B-list groups, and today he called on those organisations earmarked for cuts to use it.