I object to Cambs County Council’s proposed funding cut to Ely Soham Dial-a-Ride
Ely Soham Dial-a-Ride is facing a funding cut from Cambridgeshire County Council. - Credit: Archant
David Cameron talks a lot about the ‘Big Society’, encouraging local charities and institutions to become involved in helping and supporting their communities.
There can be few better examples of this than here in East Cambridgeshire, with the Ely Soham Dial-a-Ride service, providing affordable transport for nearly 700 vulnerable people, up to 160 of them from within my own Division of Littleport.
But now Cambridgeshire County Council is proposing to cut its funding.
Community transport provided by Dial-a-Ride exists to help transport those in our community that are isolated due to disability, frailty or because of the absence of any alternative affordable transport.
But there is also a social aspect, because many of these people would be isolated and confined to their homes were it not for the programme of regular outings and excursions that Dial-a-Ride arranges for them.
You may also want to watch:
I acknowledge that the council faces severe budgetary restraints and that grants need to be reviewed.
But the extent of the proposed cuts will put Dial-a-Ride at serious risk, contribute to the loss of community transport in East Cambridgeshire and threaten the jobs of more than 40 people employed by Dial-a-Ride.
Most Read
- 1 Police officer sacked for racially abusing colleague at Christmas party
- 2 Fears for historic vicarage council fought to save
- 3 Large illegal knife and 45 cannabis plants found in police raid
- 4 Bullying and insider trader claims pile up against former deputy leader
- 5 Three arrests after suspected brothel discovered
- 6 Photo memories of the late Prince Philip projected onto house
- 7 College and sixth form's 'gold' rating for 'outstanding' mental health provision
- 8 Transformation of empty offices into luxury flats well under way
- 9 City’s first Asian grocery store coming to market place
- 10 WATCH: One minute silence to honour the Duke
I will oppose these proposed grant reductions at the county council next Tuesday.
CLLR DANIEL DIVINE
Littleport
Via e-mail