Time running out for disabled people's bus service

The closure of an organisation which runs services and activities for disabled people would be a "tragedy", parents have said.

The Clocktower, a not-for-profit company in Mostyn, Flintshire, is in danger of closure, citing a real-terms funding cut by the county council.

Staff said rising costs, including an increase in minimum wage and employers' National Insurance contributions meant it had to cut free transport to and from the centre.

Flintshire council said it was working with people and their families to determine their individual eligibility for transport now this service is no longer being offered free of charge.

The Clocktower, which provides activities and events for 134 over-16s, said operating 17 vehicles cost about £6,000 a month in fuel.

Its director, James Beresford, said as the largest outgoing, transport had to take the hit.

He said the organisation needed at least a 10% increase in funding, but had only been offered 6% by Flintshire council.

"The reason we all do this line of work is to do the best we can for those individuals. To think I couldn't do that anymore would destroy me," he said.

Niamh Hughes from Buckley is 22 and has a very rare chromosome disorder called Phelan McDermid syndrome.

She is non-verbal and has severe epilepsy and has been attending The Clocktower - a 40-minute minibus ride away - for two years.

Her mum Julie said: "As soon as that bus arrives in the morning she's running down the drive, she can't wait to get there.

"Niamh particularly loves dancing, she loves going for walks. And the staff at Clocktower know Niamh so well they literally can't do enough for her. It's a home from home."

"Without being dramatic it would be a tragedy if Clocktower had to fold and then where would people go?"

Niamh's dad Karl said: "As a parent of a disabled child you don't get peace of mind very often, but we know that she's being looked after by people who love her. That's very important."

He said alternative respite services were not suitable for Niamh's complex health issues and urged the council to reconsider its funding.

He said: "It's a vital service and I don't think for the small amount that they would save in transport I don't think it's worth the difficulty for the parents."

Luke, 23, regularly attends the Clocktower which he said is "pretty much like a second home to me".

He said: "I get to hang out with friends and socialise with people and it's just a dream, really."

Craig Macleod, Flintshire county council's chief officer for social services said: "We provide and commission a range of day services for people with learning disability within a clear financial framework.

"One of the providers of day services has determined that, without additional funding, they are unable to continue to provide free transport to and from their day services. 

"The free transport has been provided as of an additional service offer by the provider, outside of the funding arrangements with the local authority.

He added that the council had an agreed transport policy which sets their eligibility criteria for transport provision and support.