Councillor urges County Council to drop plans to cut services for people who’ve lost their sight

Hinckley Liberal Democrat County Councillor Michael Mullaney is urging County Council Conservative bosses to drop their plans to cut services for people who have lost their sight.

Cllr Mullaney said "I have been personally contacted by a number of local residents who have lost their sight and are concerned about the County Council's plans.

"I am appalled that the County Council's is proposing to cut all prevention services for people with sight loss a move that will leave thousands of people in Leicestershire who have lost their sight with almost no support.

"At present 3391 people in Leicestershire with sight loss receive support from Vista an organisation that helps blind and partially sighted people. If the County Council go ahead with their planned changes it will mean these people losing their support. At present people who are blind and partially sighted get support from Vista in how to live independently, and how to learn new skills so that they can cope with their condition better and don't need more care services.

"The County Council does need to save money. However their proposals to cut support services to blind and partially sighted people will, in the long run, end up costing more as without this support many people who have sight loss will need more help in the long run.

"I hope the County Council drops these plans and keeps supporting these important services for local blind and partially sighted people."