A TRANSPORT service for the elderly and disabled is to receive a cash boost from Wyre Forest taxpayers following fears over a financial shortfall.

Dial-a-Ride, a charitable organisation which provides door-to-door transport for 400 people in the district, had expressed concern due to mounting costs and its inability to claim fuel surcharges.

But at a meeting of the district council's executive committee last Thursday, members agreed to authorise Rob Keys, head of environmental health, to renegotiate an increase in the service's subsidy claim with them.

In a report to the committee, Mr Keys said the aim of the service was to provide local transport at minimal cost to anyone in receipt of a district council bus pass.

The main income for the service comes from charges to users, a lottery grant, county council grant, donations and a subsidy from the district council based on the number of journeys made.

Members also approved the allocation of five parking bays within the council's Green Street depot for the service which currently operates from the British Sugar factory site, Stourport Road.