Disabled transport service faces closure threat

Parents have described the potential closure of an organization providing services and activities for disabled individuals as a “tragedy”. The Clocktower, a not-for-profit entity located in Mostyn, Flintshire, faces the risk of ceasing operations, attributing this to a real-terms reduction in funding from the county council. Employees stated that escalating expenses, such as increases in the minimum wage and employers’ National Insurance contributions, necessitated the discontinuation of complimentary transport to and from the facility. Flintshire council indicated that it is collaborating with individuals and their families to assess their personal eligibility for transport, given that this service is no longer provided without cost. The Clocktower, which caters to 134 individuals over the age of 16 with activities and events, reported that fueling its 17 vehicles incurs a monthly cost of approximately £6,000. James Beresford, the director, explained that transport, being the most significant expenditure, had to be impacted. He stated that the organization required a minimum funding increase of 10%, yet Flintshire council had only proposed 6%. “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 commented. Niamh Hughes, a 22-year-old from Buckley, lives with a rare chromosome disorder known as Phelan McDermid syndrome. She is non-verbal and experiences severe epilepsy, having attended The Clocktower – located a 40-minute minibus journey away – for two years. Her mother, Julie, remarked: “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 father, Karl, stated: “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 indicated that other respite services were inadequate for Niamh’s intricate health requirements and appealed to the council to re-evaluate its financial support. He commented: “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, aged 23, is a regular attendee at The Clocktower, which he described as “pretty much like a second home to me”. He added: “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, stated: “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 further mentioned that the council possesses an established transport policy outlining its eligibility criteria for transport provision and assistance.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.