The voice behind some of Southend's biggest open air events has quit in protest at the council's decision to charge people with learning disabilities for day care.

BBC Essex's Rick Morgan, who has been the commentator at Southend Airshow for the past five years, accused the council of acting immorally by bringing in the charges.

The council says the charges - introduced on January 31 - are needed to help cover reduced central government funding and an inherited budget deficit of approximately £2.5 million from Essex County Council. Councillors, who passed the plans by one vote last October, insist that if they don't charge they would have to cut services.

However, Mr Morgan, who has hosted the Sunday afternoon show on BBC Essex Radio for the past decade, said today: "While charges are being levied on essential social services I cannot condone the council's actions by remaining in their employ.

"I cannot, in conscience, continue to be employed by a local authority which makes charges which I believe to be immoral."

Southend Mencap has been campaigning for several months to have the charges removed.

It claims they are unfair because people with learning disabilities are rarely able to become independent and need help all their lives which puts parents under permanent financial pressure.

Mr Morgan, 54, who lives in Westcliff and is an occasional helper with the group, is the latest - but most high profile supporter of the campaign.

He said: "I mean no criticism of the council's special events department for which I have enjoyed commentating and making announcements for at various festivals over the last five years.

"I anticipate their having little difficulty in finding a replacement .

But he added: "To impose these charges for the continuing education of those who need it most is, in my opinion, immoral."

Deputy council leader Chris Dandridge (Lab, Victoria), who is executive councillor for health and social care, said: "I think it is a matter for Mr Morgan.

"We have an obligation to provide services and to provide efficient services we must make a charge."

I quit - Rick has told the council he will no longer work for them as a protest to the rise in care charges

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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