Disabled people in Basildon will have to get used to having less money for transport, as a lottery project comes to an end.

In the past residents with mobility problems have been given £25 each month - the equivalent of £300 a year - from lottery funding for travel.

But this is due to come to an end and Basildon Council has not budgeted a similar amount.

The Conservative council is planning to give disabled people £84 a year in travel vouchers - which can be used for taxis - the equivalent amount of subsidy they would get if they were able to use public transport and have a bus pass.

Labour Pitsea North-West councillor Phil Rackley believes the council should maintain the £300-a-year payments.

He said: "It strikes me that some of the savings from the welfare transport changes could be used to help this particular group of residents.

"It seems the administration is being mean."

But Anthony Hedley, community and leisure portfolio holder, has defended the decision. He said: "We are committed to helping those sections of the community who are socially isolated because of mobility problems."

Published Monday, January 20, 2003

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