The mother of a teenager with special needs has hit out at Brighton and Hove Council for cutbacks which she fears will severely disturb her son.

Lesley Baker, who has four special needs children, is angry at Brighton and Hove Council's decision to replace taxis with minibuses in some areas to reduce the rising cost of home to school transport.

Mrs Baker, of The Avenue, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, who is herself disabled with osteoarthritis in her knees, says she is dreading January 22, when the change will take place.

Her 14-year-old son Steven, who attends Downs Park School in Portslade, has been sharing a taxi with other children.

She said: "Steven has got on so well with the other children and the drivers.

"We have been told by a psychiatrist not to make changes to his routine. I do not know how he will cope in a minibus."

Steven and his 11-year-old brother Gary, both suffer from hyper attention deficiency disorder.

Gary, who attends Patcham House School, will continue to be taken there by taxi.

Mrs Baker is appealing to parents in a similar position to also complain to the council.

A Brighton and Hove Council spokesman said measures had to be taken to reduce the cost of home to school transport which could affect other services.

He said the authority would consider individual cases where there could be difficulties.

The spokesman said: "It's to do with spending money in a way that benefits most children.

"Steven's transport is still free of charge, a number of children go from Steven's area to Downs Park and using one vehicle is clearly more efficient.

"If we don't stay within budget, then money comes from special needs teaching."