STAFF who run Darwen's Dial-A-Ride service claim they are being left in the dark over the future of the service and their jobs.

Employees at the charitable organisation fear they will lose their jobs and that Blackburn with Darwen Council will not renew funding for the service when it runs out at the end of this month.

But today the council said there was no threat to customers or staff, despite a review of the transport services it provides or subsidises.

Concerns were initially raised two weeks ago when staff said they were told they would be given 90 days notice from April 1.

But a short time later they were told the notice period was not going ahead.

This week manager Susan Taylor said she received an anonymous phone call to say the council's social services department planned to take over the 18-year-old service from April 1 with the loss of all the current jobs.

Mrs Taylor, 55, is one of three full-time staff. There are also five part-time drivers and an accountant.

She said: "This is not on. We are being kept in the dark and we are hearing rumours from our passengers who are not happy that we may lose our jobs.

"We are not a taxi service. We offer more than just driving people about and these people trust our drivers. We go into their homes and often put the cat out or turn the oven off, those little extras.

"We know that sadly everything comes to an end but it's appalling the way we are being treated. We just want to know what is happening."

Anyone with difficulties using ordinary transport can call Dial-A-Ride, based in Edward Street, and book a lift, whether they need to get to an appointment or go shopping.

It has been running for 18 years and transports around 14,000 people a year.

Marie Edmondson's husband Kenneth, of Hartford Street, Mill Hill, is a full-time driver for Dial-A-Ride.

She said: "The passengers get to know the drivers and trust them. One elderly lady who my husband drives about is up in arms about them losing their jobs."

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods, said: "The council is undertaking a review of transport services that it provides or subsidises in the borough.

"This will include Dial-A-Ride and other organisations that provide services for those with special needs.

"The review will be done in full consultation with appropriate bodies such as the Elderly Persons Forum and Disability Forum.

"Dial-A-Ride has been advised of this review which will take at least three months to complete.

"However, no decision has been made at this stage and there is no threat to existing customers or staff."