IT HELPS some of York's most vulnerable young people gain a little independence.

Young adults with conditions such as Downs Syndrome are taught on York College's Living Skills course how to carry out basic daily tasks, from ironing and bed-making to cooking and gardening.

The students used to be taken to and from college each day by minibus. But only days before the new term started this month, their parents say they were told without prior warning or explanation that the free service was being scrapped for those aged over 18.

Today, the mothers of Leanne Metcalfe, 21, who has Downs Syndrome, and Toni Wilson, who was brain-damaged in a road accident as a baby, hit out at City of York Council's decision to stop funding the service - and the late notice.

"It was a real shock," said Angie Metcalfe, of Huntsmans Walk, Acomb, whose daughter has just started her third and final year on the course.

"How are they supposed to get there? Leanne isn't capable of getting on a bus and getting herself to the college."

She said she worked nights, and was able to drive Leanne there each day, but other parents might not have a car or work during the day.

"The council has abandoned her. If they have to make cutbacks, I'm sure they don't need to target people who are effectively children."

Jo Wilson, of Clifton, whose daughter has just started on the course, said: "I think it's disgraceful." Another mother, Lorraine Wilbraham, whose 24-year-old daughter, Simone, has Downs, also attacked the decision.

A council spokeswoman said today the authority had taken the difficult decision to scrap discretionary transport for over 18s in the wake of increased financial pressures. She understood that about seven people were affected.

Anne Bygrave, head of learning disability services at the council, said: "We recognise the important role of courses and activities for young people with learning and physical disabilities, but many individuals are eligible for Mobility Allowance, which helps them pay for their own transport.

"I accept the decision will have a direct impact on individuals and their families, but we have endeavoured to explain the reasons for this decision to the young people and their parents.

"What I accept is difficult is the timing of the decision, coming so close to the start of term time, but decisions have to be made as and when budget positions are reviewed through the financial year."

Pat Rose, learning support manager at York College said: "We are disappointed that the students who wish to access our provision at York College will be denied the opportunity to do so because of this decision to withdraw transport.

"We hope the matter will be resolved as soon as possible for the benefit of the students concerned."

Updated: 10:22 Monday, September 26, 2005