A centre for severely disabled people is to close after Shropshire County Council slashed its funding.
Lythwood Day Opportunities Centre in Bayston Hill will close at the end of the month after 13 years.
The centre is run by the national Christian charity Prospects to provide day care and activities for up to 10 residents of nearby York House – a residential home for adults with learning disabilities, also run by Prospects.
John Andrews, whose daughter Sue, 40, has lived at the residential home for 18 years, said he was ‘horrified’ by the news. “My daughter’s two days per week at Lythwood are of great benefit to her and will be sorely missed,” he said.
Mr Andrews said there had been a history of funding issues for York House and the Lythwood centre and this year the charity entered negotiations with the county council. Mr Andrews, who is chairman of the York House support group, said funding had been cut by £62,000.
The residents will be sent to other council run day centres but Mr Andrews is concerned the ratio of staff to patients will not provide the same level of care his daughter currently enjoys.
“Because of their disabilities the quality of life these folk are able to enjoy must be among the lowest in Shropshire. It’s morally unjustifiable that what quality of life they can enjoy should be diminished in this way.”
Liam McKervey, assistant director of adult social care, said: “Shropshire County Council have not withdrawn from services, but we have been working with Prospect House managers to ensure the service is able to provide good value for money.
David Bendor-Samuel, director of corporate affairs for Prospects, said: “It’s part of a process rather than just a cut.”