Union's call to protest against adult day centre closures

It is the first time the 2,000-signature threshold has been reached since RMBC lowered the number last summer from more than 10,000.

The union will present its case for keeping open the Addison centre at Maltby and Oaks in Wath at the full council meeting at 2pm on Wednesday, February 28.

And care centre staff and customers are invited to meet outside at 1.30pm to make their feelings known about the proposals.

Unison branch secretary Ruth Askwith said: “We are hoping for a lively turn out and a good debate by councillors on this important matter.

“Unison believes that these proposed closures are wholly unfair to the service users, their families and the community.”

Elected members will not make the final decision but can make recommendations, which will go the cabinet meeting in May.

The two day centres could be closed as part of a savings proposal moving away from traditional building-based provision, part of a project to save £4.2 million. 

The council wants more customers to use direct payments to set up their own activities.

Lowering the debate trigger followed public pressure including from Unison, after its 2014 petition on children’s centres gained 5,758 names but was short of the target.