Dad claims council has abandoned his disabled daughter (From This Is Cheshire)

Dad claims council has abandoned his disabled daughter

8:30am Friday 10th February 2012 in News

Andy with daughter Beth who has Rett syndrome

A BURTONWOOD dad says he is devastated over the council’s decision to stop funding equipment for his 11-year-old daughter who has Rett syndrome.

Beth Stevenson, who lives with her dad Andy on Pinewood Road, Burtonwood, was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition in 2002 and has been supported by the council since.

But in March last year, Warrington Borough Council said Beth was ‘no longer their responsibility’ and Sefton Council should fund it because Beth’s mum lives in Formby.

Andy, aged 42, said: “All these years they have supported her and suddenly they have decided they’re not, basically because of cost cutting.

“I was devastated, especially for Beth.

“I have got a good arrangement with her mum sharing custody and if I have not got the equipment in place there is a chance she will not be able to stay in her own home.”

Andy said Beth, who needs 24-hour care and spends most of her time in a wheelchair, lives with him 50 per cent of the time.

The youngster has also developed the spinal condition scoliosis over the past couple of years and is waiting to have major surgery.

Andy will desperately need a hoist after the operation as it becomes more difficult to move Beth around but both Sefton and Warrington Borough Councils have refused to help.

A letter describing Beth as a ‘frequent visitor’ to his home also caused more upset for Andy, who formed The Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK last year.

He said: “The scoliosis got worse last year in the space of a few months and part of that could be down to her not having a new chair.

“It is very distressing and it made me very annoyed describing a little girl living with her dad half the week as a ‘frequent visitor’.”

A council spokesman said: “We appreciate this is a difficult situation for Mr Stevenson and his daughter but because Beth’s main residence is in Sefton with her mother, the council is not responsible for providing this equipment.

“We have spoken to Sefton Council and they will be arranging a prompt assessment so that the necessary equipment can be provided as soon as possible.”