LANCASHIRE County Council's cabinet has confirmed cuts to a "lifeline" community transport service despite fears it could have a devastating impact on vulnerable people.
A consultation was launched after it was proposed to reduce the financial support for community transport operators by £175,000 over two years to contribute to savings needed to meet a forecasted council funding gap of £135m by 2022/23.
Ribble Valley Council officials had warned the knock-on effect of going through with the proposed cut could have a devastating effect on those reliant on the service.
Community transport in Lancashire is provided for people who are not able to use mainstream public transport and includes Dial-a-Ride, group transport, and community car schemes.
County councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "As a council we have to make some very difficult decisions to balance the books and make savings in almost every area of the council's work.
"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to let us know how they use these services, and how they may be affected by any changes.
"Following this decision we will look to minimise the impact of this budget reduction as much as possible for those who use community transport."
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