CAMPAIGNERS were out in force on Bromsgrove High Street over the weekend to protest against the potential closure of a much-needed disability centre.
The group, which included Labour Leader Councillor Peter McDonald, took to the street with a petition, which has garnered more than a thousand signatures, in a bid to object the potential closure of the Wendron Centre.
Known as a ‘Connect Centre’, the Chapel Street building is one of many across the county providing a free, council-led day service for adults with a learning disability, as well as respite facilities, support and advice for families.
Now at risk of closure by Worcestershire County Council, service users will have until May to voice their concerns as part of a pre-consultation engagement.
Coun McDonald, said: “Without strong opposition, the council will close the centre, putting money before the welfare of the users and their families.
“Many families will be left isolated, leaving them at breaking point.”
Campaign co-ordinator James Morris-Knight said he has been impressed with the reaction from Bromsgrove residents.
“People’s feelings towards the threat of closures is demonstrated by the size of the petition, which is now well over a thousand,” he said.
“What I found shocking was that most people had no idea the centre was under threat.”
Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care, Councillor Adrian Hardman, said no decisions on the future of any of the day or replacement care services have been made.
He said: “Following reports to Cabinet in November 2017 and February 2018, we are carrying out pre-consultation engagement with adults who use these learning disability services, carers, staff and other stakeholders to help shape the future of these services.
“Information gathered from these events will be used to develop proposals to go back to Cabinet later in the year”.
Contact Coun Adrian Hardman on 07904 520363 or email [email protected] to voice any concerns over the proposed changes.
Visit www.change.org/p/worcestershire-county-council-save-bromsgrove-s-disability-centre-from-closure to sign the petition.
