A TRANSPORT lifeline to disabled people in the county, including Callington, will continue, despite fears that it would be lost with the closure of the Cornwall Disabled Association.

The CDA announced its imminent closure to outraged local disabled groups recently but has, this week, issued a joint statement with Disability Cornwall, which will be taking over its assets, to alleviate fears among disabled users.

It means that a specially designed coach — the only one in Cornwall and funded to the tune of £75,000 by local donation — will continue to be used to take people, including the most severely disabled, on trips and holidays.

The CDA has been providing transport for disabled people for 80 years but its closure at the end of the month because of a financial crisis sent shockwaves through the 23 user groups, including the Caradon Social Club for the Disabled.

The charity said its £20,000 annual funding from Cornwall Council had been cut and would disappear in three years, the number of bequests had fallen and the number of clubs making use of the service had halved in the past decade as they too struggled with funding.

Secretary of Caradon Social Club for the Disabled David Kelly from Callington said this week: 'I am delighted to hear of the merger of these two key organisations, following the recently announced financial problems of the CDA.

'The specially adapted coach previously controlled by the CDA, will now continue to run, thus assuring handicapped and disabled people in Cornwall of the days out and special care holidays which have been so greatly appreciated over the years.'

Treasurer of the CDA Chris Dennis said in the joint statement: 'We have been in discussions with Disability Cornwall for several months now to find the best possible outcome for our beneficiaries in taking forward, continuing and enhancing the services we offer.

'A pooling of resources will provide that outcome for services which had become unsustainable over the last few years due to our increasing costs and falling income. We chose Disability Cornwall as a charity which closely matches our own objectives and is best placed to carry on our services.'

Chief executive of Disability Cornwall Jane Johnson said: 'Independent living is at the heart of all we do and we are honoured the CDA has approached us to take its vision forward into the future. We see this as an ideal opportunity to develop a modernised and user-friendly holiday and travel service, available to many more people over time.'

Disability Cornwall is now keen to make contact with all CDA members and carry out a survey of what the needs of the membership are to help shape the new service.