DISABLED residents in the Wee County were dealt a blow this week as they were issued letters informing them of the cancellation of the much-loved Dial-a-Journey service.

The bus service, which would pick people up from their home and provide assistance getting on and off the bus, was terminated by Clackmannanshire Council this month after over 30 years of service.

Clackmannanshire Council confirmed to the Order of Malta Dial-a-Journey Trust that they would be unable to extend the funding arrangement for the service beyond August 13.

The Trust has been carrying out bookings since that date with no income from the council or other organisations.

Earlier this year, the Dial-a-Journey bosses entered into a tender with Clacks Council to discuss the possibility of transitioning to a “kerb-to-kerb” arrangement.

This prompted fears among service users that they would not receive help getting from their houses to the bus and from the bus to their destination.

Following a consultation period, Dial-a-Journey have had to cancel the service after the contract was allegedly terminated.

Duncan Hearsum, chief executive for Dial-a-Journey, said they had to terminate the service with deep regret.

He said: “In May this year, Dial-a-Journey was notified by Clackmannanshire Council that they would need to end the existing long-standing arrangement to provide the door-to-door service with effect from August 13.

“In the knowledge that there was a risk of Dial-a-Journey not being paid for delivering services going forward, the Trustees gave the council notice that this was not a sustainable position.

“As yet we have not been made aware of any alternative arrangements for the continuation of the door-to-door transport service, or whether or not Dial-a-Journey is included in any future plans.

“It has been a difficult decision to write to service users with this news, and one that no Board of Trustees should have to make a time where vulnerable service users are already experiencing severe impacts on their day to day lives.

“We had hoped to avoid this and still aim to continue discussions with the council in order to continue to deliver this much valued service to communities throughout Clackmannanshire.”

A sister service which was previously organised via the Dial-a-Journey can still be accessed through the Clacks council website.

This Taxicard service will still be available on clacks.gov.uk or on the main switchboard number on 01259 450000.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “The contractual arrangements between the council and Dial-a-Journey are currently under discussion.

“We are working together to avoid, or minimise, any disruption in service whilst we transition to new arrangements.”