THE chairman of a disability group facing a huge cut in its grant has raised questions about the questions its members are being asked as part of a Wiltshire Council survey.

Terry Bazeley chairman of Devizes PHAB, which earlier this year was told by Wiltshire Council its grant was to be scrapped, was at first relieved when the council backtracked and promised proper consultation.

But now Mr Bazeley has become concerned by the council's approach and written a complaint.

He said: "Asking some of our vulnerable members how fulfilled they are could have a negative impact. I was also alarmed that their questions were only going to come up with some self evident truths.

"I have seen no sign that the council has attempted to understand what our club is about

"That people benefit from socialising with others, participating in activities and being part of a community helps to improve wellbeing and health.

"These are all well known facts and no amount of bean counting is going to move the debate forward."

Mr Bazeley wrote to area board chairman Simon Jacobs with his concerns and he has promised to look into the matter.

Mr Bazeley said: "Simon has been very supportive of us."

But the club will put money worries to one side on Saturday when it stages its biggest event of the year. The annual Push and Walk event will be held in Hillworth Park with judging at 2.30pm and the walk starting at 3pm. Other clubs and charities are welcome to join in.

In March Wiltshire Council sent letters to clubs including Devizes PHAB, Devizes and District Association For The Blind & Partially Sighted, Devizes and District Association for Disabled, Devizes Monday Club and Devizes Wednesday Club saying their grants were being cut.

After an outcry councillors admitted the letters saying a total of £62,000 was to be cut from the overall budget should not have been sent out and the decision would be postponed and consultation would be carried out.

THE chairman of a disability group facing a huge cut in its grant has expressed concern about the questions its members are being asked as part of a Wiltshire Council survey.

Terry Bazeley chairman of Devizes PHAB, which earlier this year was told by Wiltshire Council its grant was to be scrapped, was at first relieved when the council backtracked and promised proper consultation.

But now Mr Bazeley is worried by the council’s approach and has made a complaint.

He said: “Asking some of our vulnerable members how fulfilled they are could have a negative impact. I was also alarmed that their questions were only going to come up with some self evident truths.

“I have seen no sign that the council has attempted to understand what our club is about - that people benefit from socialising with others, participating in activities and being part of a community helps to improve wellbeing and health.

“These are all well known facts and no amount of bean counting is going to move the debate forward.”

Mr Bazeley wrote to area board chairman Simon Jacobs with his concerns and the councillor has promised to look into the matter.

Mr Bazeley said: “Simon has been very supportive of us.”

The club will put money worries to one side on Saturday when it stages its biggest event of the year. The annual Push and Walk event will be held in Hillworth Park with judging at 2.30pm and the walk starting at 3pm. Other clubs and charities are welcome to join in.

John Thomson, cabinet member for public health and protection said: “As part of the consultation we are talking to those who use the clubs, those who run them and also to those who currently have no access to provision in their local area or may want to in the future. This will help us gain a real understanding of what is needed. For example some areas of the county receive no funding from the limited amount available so we are keen to hear more.

“We value friendship groups and have proposed a friendship club that is county wide, uses community premises and locations, is co-produced with those that use it and is self-sustaining in the long term. I would stress this is just a proposal and we want to hear the views of as many people as possible to shape what changes, if any, might look like.

"If there are any concerns on the types of questions being asked we would be grateful for feedback so we can review.”