Basildon Community Transport receives boost from committee funding

04 Sep Basildon Community Transport receives boost from committee funding

Councillors met representatives from Basildon Community Transport Services (BCTS) on Tuesday 3 September to mark the allocation of grant funding totalling £6,879.

The grant was agreed at a meeting of the Housing and Communities Committee on Wednesday 31 July, as part of a wider reallocation of funds to support a number of key projects. These projects were identified by both the Housing and Communities Committee and the Neighbourhood and Public Spaces Committee.

The grant will be used to support new and existing services provided by the charity which also provides a toenail cutting service as well as specialised transport services for residents in the borough.

Councillor Kerry Smith, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Housing and Communities Committee, said: “Charities like this are a lifeline to many residents in the borough and I am delighted we have been able to recognise Basildon Community Transport as one of the funding decisions of the Housing and Communities Committee this year.”

Councillor David Burton-Sampson, who is the council representative to the charity added: “I’ve seen first-hand how BCTS support vulnerable residents by helping them get to medical appointments or to socialise at one of our day centres. The transport they provide does much more than just get someone from A to B – it helps tackle social isolation which is an issue I am passionate about tackling.

“I would also take this opportunity to thank all of their volunteers who I know are a big part of the success of BCTS”.

When asked what the funding meant to the charity, CEO of BCTS, Tina Tickner, said: “This funding will enable the charity to maintain its valuable service to the vulnerable residents of Basildon. It shows that Basildon Council are committed to helping us to make a difference to quality of life for our residents. We are pleased to announce we are offering a new walk-in toenail cutting service at The George Hurd Centre. It’s once a month and no appointment is necessary, the next clinic will be the 24 September 9.30am-1pm. Please contact us on 01268 294 334.”