THE FUTURE of a Dawlish organisation which provides transport for disabled people around South Devon could be saved thanks to a cash injection by Teignbridge Council.

Dawlish Community Transport takes disabled people to hospital and dental appointments, to the supermarket and on days out.

Teignbridge Council currently provides up to £10,000 of funding for the organisation and £14,000 comes from Devon County Council.

But the county council's funding is coming to an end, leaving the organisation facing closure unless more funds can be sourced.

Yesterday, at a meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee, Teignbridge Council leader Alan Connett announced the organisation would be given an extra £7,000 funding each year for the next three years to help them stay in business and hopefully expand.

Cllr Connett hoped the extra funds would be matched by Devon County Council and NHS Devon, securing the future of the organisation.

Chairman of the organisation John Adcock said: "We are very worried about the funding.

"If the £14,000 does come to an end then there would be no way we could run the ring and ride without that money. It would be impossible.

"If Alan Connett has said we will get funding then that is absolutely wonderful news and we certainly need it."

The organisation currently takes about 12 wheelchair users to hospital appointments a week and has a group day out every Tuesday.

It runs seven vehicles, including a bus which it leases, and has one paid driver.

Mr Adcock said: "We would like to provide outreach support to those who live in villages and provide the service to those who don't have access to it at the moment."

Cllr Connett said: "I have spoken to officers and we hope Teignbridge can stitch together a package of support.

"We would provide a further £7,000 in the hope this would be matched by Devon County Council and NHS Devon so the service can continue.

"This would be on a three-year basis and hopefully the organisation would find long-term support after that."

The budget decision will go before the executive committee today.