CAMPAIGNERS gathered much-needed support from shoppers in their bid to save a vital service from closing.

Staff and volunteers with the Disability Advice and Benefits Service at the Barrow and District Disability Association visited Barrow Market on Friday as the campaign to protect the service stepped up a gear.

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The service, which employs expert advisers to help disabled people and their families apply for benefits, grants and extra support to live independently, is at risk of shutting down.

DABS missed out on funding for the next five years worth £361,246 from the Big Lottery, which came as a big shock to everybody involved in the successful project since it started in 2011.

Members of the public visiting Barrow Market on Friday backed the campaign in their hundreds by signing a petition that notes the value of DABS in light of the many welfare reforms and cuts which are making life for many disabled people much harder.


Margaret Burrow collects signatures on a petition from Jasmine Jolliffe. MILTON HAWORTH Campaigners are using the signatures as evidence as to why the service must be maintained, especially in an area where one in four working age people have a disability.

Margaret Burrow MBE, chief executive officer for the BDDA, said the campaigning day at Barrow Market was a useful exercise and showed how much the community is behind DABS.

She said: "People are wanting to sign the petition which is really good.

"We've seen a lot of people who we recognise and families we have supported.

"They are much more likely to sign as they know the affect we can have on people's lives. It's a lifeline."

A stall with a tombola was set up to raise funds for DABS, and Helen Robinson, one of the DABS advisors, was on hand on the day to offer practical advice to residents who know disabled people that might need support in accessing money they are entitled to.

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DABS is a separate entity of the BDDA and has a different funding pot but members of the entire organisation have united to voice their concern if DABS was to close.

Progress has been made on applying to many different charitable trusts but it is too early to say what the longer term future will be.

The DABS petition can be signed at various venues, including the BDDA in School Street, Women's Community Matters, Mind in Furness, and the Evening Mail office.

It can also be signed here .