DISABLED residents in Christchurch could see their taxi tokens taken away from them - just days after a committee said the scheme should continue.

Christchurch council’s resources committee went against the recommendation from the authority’s scrutiny committee, who had said it should carry on.

The decision will now go before full council in February.

And if members decide to stop the scheme, it will close in April, saving the council £14,000.

Cllr Colin Bungey, who voted against the scheme stopping, said: “This is an attack on the most needy and disabled in Christchurch, ignoring the recommendations of the scrutiny committee.

“Why have Christchurch made this decision when East Dorset District Council have just agreed to not only continue their issuing of taxi tokens but also voted to keep it open to new applicants.

“Although EDDC currently has about 30 more applicants than Christchurch, it is costing Christchurch approximately twice the amount in admin charges, why is this?”

Cllr Denise Jones, speaking prior to the decision, said: “These people are mostly in wheelchairs and can’t get on a bus.

“This gives them a little bit of independence and means they will have the opportunity to go out and experience the world for themselves.

“Ultimately over time, the numbers will go down and the cost will too.

“There are times when you have to think of people’s needs above administrative convenience.”

The measure to abolish the scheme was voted 7-1 in favour at last week’s resources meeting, with one abstention.

Officers say the scheme has ‘limited use’, with 121 people in Christchurch registered to use it.

They receive £40 in tokens each year.

Although the scheme is closed to new users, the council originally offered it as an alternative to concessionary bus passes for people unable to access them due to a disability.

However, due to two different authorities running the schemes, residents can have bus passes and taxi tokens.