A SEVERELY disabled woman who cannot walk or talk is set to lose her specially-adapted van.

The most serious form of cerebral palsy has left Serena Lester, 25, of Sandown Road, Thundersley, needing round-the-clock care.

Essex County Council has used her benefits to lease a van for her mother. The vehicle can accommodate Serena’s wheelchair.

But officers responsible for managing Serena’s finances have ordered the family to hand back the keys.

Serena’s mum, Debbie, of West Crescent, Canvey, said: “The van is her legs. If she doesn’t have the vehicle, she will be housebound.

“They have said get taxis, but you can’t always get taxis and they are expensive.

“The decision will affect Serena’s quality of life.”

Debbie uses the modified Peugeot Horizon to drive her daughter to activity clubs, including drama, the Music Man Project and discos at La Quinta, in Benfleet. She also uses it to take Serena on holiday with the family.

She claims her social worker has told her budget cuts mean the county council can no longer afford to lease the van through the Motability Scheme.

The county council denies this, saying it fears the car is not being used to benefit Serena.

The social worker said Serena will receive the part of her disability living allowance earmarked for transport as cash to pay for taxis.

But the £56 per week will barely cover one round-trip to Southend and gives the family no chance of a holiday together. The family cannot afford to buy one of the £13,000 vans.

Debbie, who has a 17- year-old daughter, said: “Taxis to Southend and back cost £20 each way. A couple of taxis and it’s gone. I don’t know what planet they are on.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “Motability Scheme rules make it clear that the vehicle must be used by, or for the benefit of, the person intended.

“In this instance, we were not content that this was the case and met the family to explain our decision. There was no issue with funding.

“We will continue to arrange transport for Miss Lester to access daytime activities and are satisfied that her mobility will not be unduly impaired.”