Disabled folk fear end of coach trips

WHAT has happened to "care in the community"? What about care for the elderly and vulnerable?

These are the questions being asked by members of the Bexhill branch of the East Sussex Disability Association.

Having run successfully for 38 years, they now fear for the club's future because of possible cuts to the "lifeblood" coach service they so rely on.

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The group has 176 members - people who are otherwise unable to go out because of disability or conditions such as stroke.

Trips are organised for them with transport laid on; they are picked up at home using specially adapted coaches with tail lifts - essential for wheelchair users.

They have monthly access to three Bluebird coaches provided free by ESDA head office - but these are now under threat.

Transport manager Mary Plucknett said: "We have heard that because of Government cut backs, the county council are proposing to cut their contribution to ESDA's coach service by 78,000 which will mean that ESDA will not be able to run this service as they do not have the funds to finance it.

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"This in turn means that our club (and the majority of other ESDA branches) will have to close as there is no way we would be able to finance the hiring of such a large number of coaches."

Chairman Ann Curd said members have been told of the threatened cutbacks and the impact on their coach service: "They were deeply distressed that the club is in jeopardy, because it means so much."

She has been with the Bexhill branch for 32 years; "We started with just a group of volunteers - all car drivers who wanted to take out one or two disabled people for a short run, so they could enjoy a trip to the sea-front.

"But believe me, it accelerated because so many wanted to get out. We then decided to form the club although we had no money - nothing except a band of willing volunteers.

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"Then we joined ESDA which was then the Association for the Disabled. The demand grew and grew, now ESDA has got about 19 clubs in East Sussex and Bexhill is one of the largest.

"More and more people wanted to join the club, and still do. So many of our disabled members live alone so to get out and meet other people is wonderful, to be taken along a country road or have lunch in a hotel is wonderful."

Apart from organising social events throughout the year, the club provides valuable contact - sending birthday and christmas cards, plus vouchers, organising holidays, and steering members in the right direction when they need help.

"Taking the Bluebirds off the road would save thousands out pounds - they won't have to pay for drivers, or upkeep - but what about the disabled people? They will go back to their loneliness which is the biggest disability of all."

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A final decision will not be made until June so in the meantime members are writing letters to voice their protest.

Dermot Healy of West Parade calls the Bluebird bus service the "lifeblood" of the organisation.

"I know how easy it is, since my wife's death, to become a slob - not to dress correctly, to forget one's table manners... but membership of ESDA keeps me on an even keel - to see more people, to go out to lunch."