A DISABLED teenager - one of hundreds whose freedom pass was cancelled out of the blue - says her independence has been stripped away.

Jenny Fairclough, of The Mount, Mill Hill, has had the transport card which allows her to travel on buses and trains in London for free since she was a child, but Barnet Council refused to renew hers and a number of others in April.

The 19-year-old's parents, Siobhan and Stephen, logged an appeal - but were horrified when it was deactivated anyway.

Jenny, who has autism, problems with her veins and painful arthritis, said: “I am feeling very disappointed. I feel like they are taking my independence away so I am really upset about this.”

She is unable to learn how to drive but enjoys the freedom of going to Burnt Oak and Edgware by herself every Saturday on the bus.

Her mother, Siobhan, 53, said: “I was furious when I got the letter – they said she didn’t fit the criteria which is ridiculous, because it’s Jennifer to a T.

“They have taken away something she is legally entitled to. It’s unexpected and she has been knocked for six.

“I couldn’t believe they’d cancelled the pass without warning, before considering our appeal. She could have been left stranded.

“She’s had this since she was an infant, but now a complete stranger says she doesn’t need one. How does that work?”

Jenny is taken to Oak Lodge School by a council-funded mini bus every day as she cannot drive herself.

She does not have a concept of money and while her parents have loaded credit onto an Oyster card for her, they fear this is not a long term solution.

In another blow, the letter sent by Capita on behalf of the authority misspelled “government” as “goverment”.

Mrs Fairclough, a governor at Oak Lodge School, added: “Jenny could find herself trapped and stranded using an Oyster card as she usually uses money until it runs out, she doesn’t understand.

“I feel like everything has been a fight – nothing has come easy to us.

“We’ll always support her but she needs to have the opportunity to be semi-independent.”

Others have also found their passes were cancelled without justification or warning and some have been banned from entering tubes or buses.

Barnet blogger Mrs Angry, also known as Theresa Musgrove, said: "It is scandalous. The distress caused is utterly shameful and this has been going on for some time because families are too frightened that if they complain, it will affect their care provision.

"It is a safeguarding issue as well, as clearly this means a vulnerable person at risk of harm through being unable to access transport and reach a place of safety."

Meanwhile, Barnet Labour Group has also launched a petition calling for the authority to reinstate them, describing it as a "callous act". An investigation into the situation will take place.

Barnet Council has now put a temporary stop to cancelling freedom passes while it carries out a review on behalf of London Councils - which has not changed the criteria for eligibility.

Jamie Blake, commissioning director for environment at the authority, said: “We understand that freedom passes are a highly valued means of getting around by those who use the scheme, which is why it is important to ensure that only those who are eligible can use them.

"We would like to apologise for any distress that may have been caused. Residents who have had their pass withdrawn will be contacted by us within the next seven days to discuss their circumstances.”

To sign the petition, visit http://www.barnetlabour.org.uk/reinstate_disabled_persons_freedom_passes