County Council forced into Dial-a-Ride climbdown

11.23.00pm GMT Sat 23rd Feb 2008

After pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors and users of the services, the Conservative-run county council have been forced to postpone a proposed cut in the Dial-A-Ride service.

Dial-A-Ride provides a door-to-door bus service for those who cannot use regular public transport due to disability, illness or age. Conservative county councillors announced plans to cut the service, but backed down in the face of strong opposition.

Cllr David Major said, "So many local residents depend on Dial-a-Ride to be able to live an independent life. Thousands of journeys are made by people using Dial -A- Ride to visit wives or husbands in residential homes or to go out shopping or to social activities.

"While I am pleased that the county council has backed down for the time being, they are still going to review the service. For the sake of many local residents who relish the freedom it gives them, Dial-a-Ride must not be cut back."