A CHARITY that provides crucial transport to lonely pensioners in Warrington continues to face closure as budget cuts tighten.

Warrington Community Transport, based on Athlone Road, is under crippling financial pressure as cuts of £18,000 a year are made.

The total budget withdrawal of £74,000 by 2017, which stems from austerity measures at Warrington Borough Council, has left the charity appealing for aid.

Brian Wilson, general manager, has written to parish councils in the town asking for support.

In an open letter, Mr Wilson said: “These funding cuts, although inevitable and resulting from the general financial climate, come at a time when demand from our service is under sustained pressure.

“Alternative services have either diminished or become too expensive, and so our clientele look to us to provide more of their transport needs.”

WCT’s Dial-A-Ride service is used for 30,000 journeys a year, many by pensioners living alone, or those disabled and unable to travel independently.

The charity costs £365,000 a year to run and is staffed by a small number of paid employees and volunteers.

Mr Wilson added: “Many of our members are elderly with mobility needs and also those with a variety of physical, social and mental health issues.

“Without our continued support they will become isolated, losing access to essential services, healthcare, shopping, social and leisure activities, employment and training opportunities.

“We therefore seek your assistance and ask that you consider making a contribution towards the cost of our continued provision of this essential service, on behalf of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

A spokesman for Warrington Borough Council said: ““We have had to look at all services and grant funding as we continue to face severe funding cuts.

"Like all local authorities, we are facing significant challenges and very difficult decisions. We are currently proposing a £20,000 reduction in funding as part of the formal budget setting process but this has not been confirmed.

"The budget report will go to executive board in February and to full council in March.

"Even if this reduction in funding is approved, Warrington Community Transport will still receive £128,000 of funding for the provision of a Dial a Ride service in the 2015/16 financial year from the council.

"We remain committed to supporting and advising Warrington Community Transport and we will work them to mitigate any reduction in funding applied.”