Noisy scenes promised at Rotherham adult daycare protest

Five learning disability buildings — including Addison at Maltby and Oaks in Wath — are set to be axed as Rotherham Borough Council looks to save £3 million.

Last week it emerged that a legal challenge has been made to contest the decision — made by cabinet members in May — and the matter is heading for court.

It means a petition of more than 70,000 signatures will not be handed in at tomorrow’s meeting as originally planned.

But a spokesman for campaign group Save Rotherham's Learning Disability Services said: “We aren’t going away.

“Our campaign has gathered momentum since it was launched at our last protest in June. 

“We have more than 72,000 signatures on our petition and individuals, trade unions and community groups are backing our fight.  

“Although we won't be delivering our petition until the legal challenge is concluded, we will be holding a very noisy, vibrant protest at 1pm.

“Afterwards we will attend the Council meeting and ask questions of councillors from the public gallery.”

The council insists that closing the centres and encouraging service users to set up their own activities will nurture independence and raise aspirations, as well as helping to save £3 million from the budget.