SI Cannock petition to help the elderly and disabled
Local Councillors are being warned of the level of anger felt by the public regarding the withdrawal of taxi tokens for the elderly and disabled in Cannock and District.
Members of the Cannock and District Soroptimist Club handed over a petition to Cannock Chase Council today ( Mon 1st June) calling for an urgent review of their decision to withdraw these tokens. In just 4 weeks the club of 43 local women has gathered almost 2,000 (1,952) petition signatures.
Club President, Sheila Brown OBE, says, “the club members have been moved by hearing the difficulties of local people who are affected by the withdrawal of these tokens. In collecting signatures, members have also heard the anger of local people at this decision. But the clubs mission in running this petition was very clear; we are a non political organisation of women, working for women and their families. We do this through service, funding and campaigning. So we aimed to help those affected by this cut and also help concerned local people to have a voice to the policy makers. We are all hoping for a turn in this decision or that at least, when the decision is reviewed, for a system to be put in that still allows elderly and disabled people the opportunity to use taxi’s.”
In collecting this petition, the club members heard that the use of a local taxi is essential for many, as buses don’t fit everyone’s disability needs. People also reported to club members, significant problems with the dial a ride scheme, in giving a flexible alternative.
Members of the club have collected signatures in many ways and local businesses have also been involved in presenting the Soroptimist petition to their staff and customers. The club would like to thank everyone who took the time to sign this petition.
The club members handed over the petition to an Officer of the Council and then met with Councillor Ray Easton who heard and sympathised with their concerns. He promised to ensure that the decision and current trial system would be reviewed and that all concerns were aired when this review took place.
The SI club which meets at the Barns in Huntington and anyone requiring more information about the club, can call on 07847 789 893
Photo – getting ready for the petition handover on the steps of Cannock Council offices - six members of the SI Cannock and District Club.