James Pearson, 25, of Greenacres, in Fulwood, has Ring Chromosome 22 which causes mental and physical difficulties, making travelling difficult.

Three times a week he visits a care centre called Lisieux Hall in Chorley, to receive vital specialist treatment, which is not available in Preston.

Social workers assessed his condition and decided he needed to be taken and brought home in a taxi with a qualified assistant.

But without any consultation his dad John and mum Jean received a letter informing them his son would now be travelling with a group on a minibus.

He was so concerned that since it came into effect in August, he has paid a total of £5,000 to keep his travel arrangements the same.

John said: "James has no speech or communication skills, limited mobility, poor motor-movement and muscle tone, is doubly incontinent and unable to wash or dress himself.

"He also displays autistic spectrum symptoms, suffers from epileptic seizures and at times can display challenging behaviour.

"Without any consultation with social services, we just got a letter saying our transport will change. Instead of being one-to-one it would be one-to-six – we are worried about the level of care he would receive."

John said his son has suffered seizures while travelling in the past, which John said was one of the factors which lead social services to provide one-to-one transport.

He claimed putting him on a minibus would mean James would not be monitored closely while he is travelling and he is now facing the prospect of keeping him at home.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We are fully aware of this case and are working with Mr Pearson to address his concerns.

"We take all concerns seriously and have a formal complaints procedure in place to resolve issues."


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