A CONSULTATION on controversial council cuts which may affect vulnerable Wyre Forest residents has ended with nearly 3,000 responses received.

Worcestershire County Council officers are collating responses to the “future lives” survey, which has attracted feedback from about 100 events and over 1,500 county residents.

The consultation ended last week and officers are creating a report to be considered by three cabinet members who will make decisions about the future of services on February 12.

Conservative councillors Sheila Blagg, responsible for adult social care, Liz Eyre, member for children and families and Marcus Hart, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, will cast the deciding votes.

As part of the cash-strapped authority’s plan to save £30 million in 2014/15 and then about £25 million a year until 2016/17, the council is looking to slash investment in prevention, early help and other support from £15 million to £6.5 million.

Elderly people, vulnerable families and homeless youngsters in Wyre Forest, fear they could lose vital services, such as warden provision for people in sheltered accommodation, Home-Start Wyre Forest and the newly built £1.6 million Bromsgrove Street Foyer.

Mr Hart said: “Health and wellbeing is one of our corporate priorities and through the Future Lives programme we will help and support people to live independent lives for as long as possible. One part of this programme is investing in new information services to help people find the right services.”

Mrs Eyre thanked respondents, adding: “All their points will inform evidence-based decision making by officers and members.”