Local Charities for the Disabled look set to lose funding in Worthing? - Lib Dems

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors are particularly concerned this week following reports to be considered by the Cabinet Member for Community Services who looks set to change the Council's agreement with Worthing Dial a Ride that would guarantee funding from Worthing Borough Council!

In the reports expected to be considered "behind closed doors" this Wednesday the Cabinet Member is being recommended to change Clause 10 of the multi-agency agreement that commits Worthing Borough Council to funding this important lifeline for Disabled people in the town.

Worthing Shopmobility's Chairman Don Allen wrote to the Borough Council on the 20th October to request a 3 year Service and Funding agreement with the Council, without which he suggests the scheme would have to close!

Commenting on these reports, Cllr Geraldine Lissenburg (Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services) said, "Last year the Former Cabinet Member had to make the decisions in a public meeting in front of the very residents that were to be affected as well as fellow Councillors and the media. This week the current Cabinet Member will sit in an office and probably just "rubber-stamp" these reports that will affect some 500 registered users of the Dial a Ride service many of whom also use Shopmobility on a daily basis, he is also likely to score these as "low priority" services where as we have always believed both services should be a "high priority" for the Council."

Worthing Dial a Ride User, Norah Fisher added "We understand the Cabinet Member is expected to set up a review to look at ALL Community Transport in the town, however I strongly believe that the Worthing Dial a Ride and Shopmobility schemes are unique services and should not be included in such a broad ranging review and should continue to receive dedicated core funding, we also believe that Dial a Ride users should be able to use the Concessionary Fares scheme that is available to "able -bodied" users on more traditional buses."

Media Contacts:-

Cllr Geraldine Lissenburg (Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Services)-(01903) 204977

Cllr Alan Rice (Lib Dem Policy Advisor for Community Services)- (01903) 603767

Norah Fisher (Secretary of the Worthing Access and Mobility Group) - (01903) 233472

Don Allen (Chairman of Worthing Shopmobility) - (01903) 820980

Shelia Player (Treasurer of Worthing Shopmobility) - 07764 154264