CONCERNED campaigners have united in support of a Bromsgrove day centre for adults with learning disabilities, which they fear could face closure.

Worcestershire County Council is currently carrying out a consultation on learning disability day services across the county to reduce the cost of empty beds.

The council says more than 1,800 nights at centres and replacement care facilities are not being used each year, accounting to an approximate cost of £450,000.

The Wendron Centre on Chapel Street, Bromsgrove, is part of the consultation, but more than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling on the council to keep it open.

Bromsgrove cllr Peter McDonald said: “It is the only place in Bromsgrove which gives families help and advice and much needed respite.

“It also of course helps those with learning difficulties to cope with the world around them, with professional staff at hand to ensure they receive the help and support they need.

“The council have embarked on a consultation exercise as part of the necessary requirement before closing any such centre.

“Without strong opposition the council will close the centre, putting money before the welfare of the users and their families.

“Without this day centre many families will be left isolated leaving them at breaking point.”

Campaigners and Labour party members took a petition to Bromsgrove’s High Street this month.

Jim Knight, Bromsgrove Labour party’s campaign coordinator, added: “Most people had no idea that the centre was under threat or why this was happening.

“People’s feelings towards the threat of closures is demonstrated by the size of the petition.”

The council insists no decisions have been made.

Cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, cllr Adrian Hardman, said: “We are carrying out pre-consultation engagement with adults who use these learning disability services, carers, staff and other stakeholders to help shape the future of these services.

“We are undertaking engagement only at this stage and no decisions on the future of any of our day or replacement care services have been made.

“During the period January to May 2018 we are speaking to people who use the services, their carers and staff, to get their views and ideas about how the services could be organised differently in the future.

“Information gathered from these events will be used to develop proposals to go back to cabinet later in the year.”