Portsmouth dial-a-ride receives help from political party

Portsmouth Lib Dem leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson has found a new premises for the current dial-a-ride operator to run from at Old Portsmouth’s Cathedral Innovation Centre.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson, pictured, has been urging Pompey Dial Ride owner Tracey Jones to draw up a business case to see how she can continue to run her organisation once the authority brings it in-house.

As reported, the council has decided it cannot continue to fund Pompey Dial Ride and plans to run its own version from next month.

Dial Ride picks up vulnerable and disabled residents from their homes and gets them about to ensure they are not left stranded and isolated.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson said: ‘The council is looking at the options.

‘But what we have done, as a Lib Dem group, is put Tracey in touch with people to be able to write a comprehensive business plan.

‘Clearly, running a dial-a-ride service for nothing does not work, that’s something we have always said.

‘Tracey has been told that from September 1, the council will take over the service.

‘So what we have been doing is giving her support and putting together a business case.

‘It’s not just about picking up people from their door and dropping them off, it’s about the service you give vulnerable clients.’