A ROGERSTONE student with Down’s Syndrome has been forced out of a college education after cuts to his transport allowance.

Andrew Colcough, who has been studying a life skills course at Crosskeys College, is dependent on the funding for arranged transport to the site, where his studies are due to end in July.

But budget cuts have seen this axed, leaving Mr Colcough with “no choice” but to abandon his studies, according to his mum, who does not drive and added her son would not be safe using public transport.

Carol Colcough, of Tewdric Crescent, added: “Andrew is vulnerable and would walk off with anyone.

“Andrew is doing life skills modules and needs to finish his studies. He just needs the allowance so he can use arranged transport until he finishes his studies in July. That’s all.”

The news comes after Newport council initially cut the funding in August, only to U-turn on the decision.

Ms Colcough and her 26-year-old son were informed then the money would end for good in December, but she said it still came as a blow when they received confirmation of the situation last week.

“His allowance was under threat before but then the council decided to continue it,” she added.

“It was going to be stopped and then the money suddenly appeared. I am hoping it will happen again.”

Cllr Chris Evans, for Rogerstone, who previously lobbied for Mr Colcough, said: “I’m calling on this Labour administration to show some compassion and listen to parents at the very least.

“We need to ensure students like Andrew can complete their education and that would mean reversing the decision to cut funding in December and extend it to the end of the academic term.”

But a spokeswoman for Newport City Council said: “Newport City Council has traditionally paid for transport for some adults with special needs to attend further education even though it has no legal obligation to do this.

“Unfortunately, at a time of increasing pressures on social services budgets, it has been decided that the council cannot continue to provide this universal funding.

"In some cases, students are already receiving the higher rate mobility allowance to meet their transport needs. The funding was due to end in the summer but we recognised that some families might need more time to adjust and it was delayed until the start of the January term.

“Since then we have met or discussed possible options for the future, including shared transport and travel training, with many of the parents and solutions have been found.

“However, we would urge anyone who has not yet engaged with social services to do so as soon as possible so assistance can be given with individual needs and concerns.”