A DISABILITY charity that has served a community for more than 30 years is “sadly closing its doors”, while igniting a bizarre political spat in the process.

Dial, based in Southernhay, Basildon, is the latest south Essex charity to go after Basildon Council withdrew crucial funding.

Jan Stevens, the charity’s boss, said: “We are very, very upset. We are due to shut at the end of April. After all this time the charity is now facing closure, but what concerns us the most is the number of people out there who need our service.”

She went on to say that about 3,000 disabled people will be affected across south Essex, with many of those receiving help filling crucial forms and paying bills on the internet.

Many of Dial’s clients don’t know how to use a computer, according to Mrs Stevens.

She continued:”We deal with people who have learning difficulties and people who are physically disabled.

“Our funding was slashed because the council believed they could receive our services elsewhere when they can’t.

“In fact about half of our services you can’t receive elsewhere.”

Last year, Basildon Council cabinet members approved a proposal to give its entire £205,000 annual advice fund to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

It meant Dial and Impact - a charity that specialises in complex legal cases - both lost out on their share of the fund.

The political spat came this week when Andrew Gordon, Basildon Labour councillor, sent a round-robin email to politicians, offering condolences to Mrs Stevens.

Phil Turner, Tory council leader for Basildon, responded by saying: “Andrew you are confusing me with someone who give a toss about what you have to say.”

“Please don’t waste my time on your rantings.”

Mr Gordon insisted Mr Turner’s remarks showed disregard towards the charity - a claim the council leader refuted.

He said: “I get a lot of emails from Mr Gordon which are just political point scoring.

“My comments were in no way related to Dial.

“I’m just fed up with receiving these constant emails.”