Anger over closure of service that helps disabled people

The imminent closure of a service which helps disabled people will threaten their independence, according to one of its users.

Mr David Sneddon contacted the Nottinghamshire Disabilities Living Centre (NDLC) shortly after moving from Sheffield to Newark in March this year.

The 66-year-old, who wanted advice on a bidet and handrails having moved into Vale View sheltered housing, said the team went above and beyond his expectations to help him.

Those who call the service receive impartial advice and assessment on disability equipment to help them continue to live in their homes.

When Mr Sneddon contacted NDLC, they provided him with a wealth of information, adding that staff at Vale View would be able to help him with his equipment requirements.

But he was angry that the closure of the service, on July 31, would deprive others of vital help and information.

The charity said it had been forced to announce its closure due to funding cuts from both Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council over the last six years, and the added expense of having to moving to a larger, costlier base in the city’s Beechdale Road.

'What's happened to this service is disgusting'

“If I wanted advice, I would certainly ring them,” said Mr Sneddon, a former firefighter and businessman who suffers from Dupuytren’s contracture – which causes the middle fingers on both hands to bend into the palm of the hand - rheumatism, and problems associated with a heart attack and strokes in 2010.

“I think what’s happened to this service is disgusting. It’s just the way of the world nowadays – there is no priority given to the ill or the disabled.

“It isn’t easy being disabled. The main point of my life is to stay independent and that’s what this service gives to disabled people.”

The centre generated its own income, averaging £27,500 a year, by holding exhibitions and hiring out its training room.

But the charity said it was no longer sustainable, bringing to an end a service which began in October 1987.

Toni Roberts, manager at the centre, said: “We provided advice to disabled people – for instance, there are a lot of rogue traders out there so we put them in touch with reputable traders for buying equipment.

“Unfortunately, the trustees of the charity couldn’t see that we would be able to get enough future funding, so we have had to close the service.”

The five staff at the centre will be made redundant.