Angry users of a centre for people with disabilities have hit out at Shropshire Council after being told it will definitely be closed – despite being promised no decision would be made until the new year.
People at the Grange Day Centre, in Levens Drive, Harlescott, were told on Monday that the much used and valued facility would be closing although they had believed further consultation would be taking place.
Users have been left angry and upset by the news and staff face an uncertain future over their jobs.
The move has been criticised by health professionals who claim the centre is unique in the area and nowhere else currently meets the needs of the dozens of service users.
Shropshire Council revealed it was considering closing the centre in October as part of budget cuts and those who attend the centre vowed to fight the proposals. But now they say they have been abandoned.
Edward Davies, who regularly attends the centre, said: “We’ve been told the day centre is definitely going to close next year.
“We’ve got documents saying the decision won’t be made until January but a lady from the council came in and told us. Everyone was crying and the staff were told they would lose their jobs, it was terrible. They’ve gone back on their word,” he said.
Mr Davies said he believes the council is closing the centre to sell off the building.
Councillor Simon Jones, cabinet member for adult services at Shropshire Council, said: “Consultation with individuals about the type of care and support they need is still going on, but councillors approved the list of savings last week which means The Grange will be closing.
“As people are taking up other opportunities, numbers of people using the centre are reducing. Other day centres in Shrewsbury and Shropshire will be developed to provide a base to provide an opportunity to socialise.”
Meanwhile Nicky Clark, the mum of two disabled daughters who appeared in last week’s Chronicle, said the decision was despicable.
She is staging a protest on Saturday against cuts and will present a petition to Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council. She will be on a stall opposite Vodafone on Pride Hill from 10am to 1pm.
By Anna Williams