THE decision to axe free transport to college for some of York's most vulnerable young people was blasted today by Labour councilors.

They claimed it was "shocking" that young adults with conditions such as Downs' Syndrome should be targeted for City of York Council cuts - and it was "disgraceful" that the news was broken with so little notice.

But the ruling Liberal Democrats said that while the cuts were disappointing, they were a result of financial difficulties and residents' requests to keep council tax down.

The Evening Press revealed recently how York College students Leanne Metcalfe, 21, who has Downs' Syndrome, and Toni Wilson, 19, who was brain-damaged as a baby, have lost their free transport to the college to attend a Living Skills course.

The course helps them gain a little independence by carrying out basic daily tasks, including ironing, bed-making, cooking and gardening.

Their mothers said they had been told just before this term started that they could no longer go on the minibus, with virtually no time to make alternative arrangements.

They said they would have great difficulty getting them there by car each day, while some youngsters might not be able to get to college at all any more.

The council said the free transport was discretionary for over 18s and had been scrapped in the wake of increased financial pressures.

Coun Viv Kind, Labour's education spokeswoman, said today: "I think it's shocking that this cut is being applied in this way.

"These college courses are vital for these young people to give them the chance to learn skills that will increase their independence and boost their self confidence.

"It's also disgraceful that this cut in provision is being made with so little notice, giving the young people little time to sort out arrangements, and causing them and their families great anxiety."

Coun Sandy Fraser, Labour spokesman for adult social services, said the cuts arose from one of a budget reduction earlier this year, which Labour had opposed most strongly. He claimed that when Labour ran the council, it had always tried to protect vulnerable people such as these from cuts.

But Coun Sue Galloway, the Liberal Democrat executive member for social services, said: "We are very disappointed that we have had to take the decision to cease this transport which we are not, as an authority, obliged to provide.

"The difficult financial position means that we are working strictly to eligibility criteria as agreed by all parties.

"Additionally residents have requested that we keep council tax levels low and so discretionary services such as these will inevitably come under the spotlight. Neighbouring authorities are in a similar position to ourselves."

Updated: 10:23 Wednesday, October 05, 2005