Defiance over cut in travel aid for elderly

A Cannock Chase councillor has hit back at organisers of a petition being raised against changes to concessionary travel across the district.

Labour is protesting at Cannock Chase Council's decision to reduce concessionary travel down to the statutory national minimum and to withdraw taxi tokens. "We are criticised for reducing the service to national levels when we have had to do so is because their Labour Government reduced our grant so that we can no longer fund it," said Councillor Tony Williams.

The petition launched by Labour county councillor Susan Woodward was "blatant electioneering", claimed Lib Dem Councillor Williams, environment leader at the district council.

"This is fine coming from someone who was closing care homes two years ago," he added.

Both cost-cutting measures will save Cannock Chase Council £300,000 over the next three years.

It has ploughed £80,000 into a dial-a-ride scheme operated by Shire Travel, of Hednesford, which is running two 11-seat buses on a trial basis for 12 months solely for disabled people who had been entitled to tokens under the previous arrangement.

Councillor Woodward said the changes were mean-spirited.

"The greatest concern that we are hearing is of the additional costs people are suffering since the reduction of the concessionary fare scheme and the loss of tokens.

"This move hits hardest at older people, particularly those with mobility problems."

Councillor Woodward, who represents Cannock Chase, Hednesford and Rawnsley, added: "The travel scheme was once the envy of others in the area. It was excellent, giving older and disabled people a sense of independence, and was also good for their health and well-being."