Closure of learning disability centres confirmed by council

Cabinet members approved a plan to shut day centres Addison at Maltby and Oaks in Wath in a move to save more than £3 million.

Two respite centres — Treefields in Wingfield and Quarryhill at Wath — will also be decommissioned and Parkhill in Maltby is likely to follow suit after more consultation.

Carers and family members of service users spoke out in favour of keeping the building-based provision at the meeting this morning (Monday).

One woman, who has a relative at Quarryhill, said: “It’s a lovely, lovely building. It’s certainly fit for purpose. 

“It had plans two or three years ago to expand and have hoist rooms. Those have clearly been shelved. The facilities are excellent and so are the staff.”

Families will be encouraged to set up their own arrangements for activities using funds like direct payments.

Cllr David Roche, cabinet member for adult social care, said young people with learning disabilities were choosing not to attend the day centres.

He added: “The people who we’ve spoken to have told us that they want the same quality of life as everyone else and want to be able to live more independently with greater choice.

“We appreciate that some people will feel anxious during this time and we want to do everything in our gift to make this transition as smooth as possible.”