Ravensthorpe day care service threatened with closure

Red Laithes Court could be shut as part of the latest round of council cuts.

Devastated families say that when the centre in Red Laithes Lane is closed, there will be nowhere else to go.

Sandra Badley’s 42-year-old daughter Tina has been a regular at Red Laithes for more than 10 years.

Mrs Badley, 65, said: “They get companionship, get out of the house and meet people. Tina is devastated it could close. They all were.”

Last Wednesday, a plea to save the centre was made to the full council.

Speaking for service users, Betty Riley said: “The council has a duty of care towards physically disabled people.

“Is it morally acceptable to close the last remaining day care centres providing activity for their specific needs?

“Too many people and their families will suffer if this happens.”

But the council insists it will work with people to develop personalised plans if the service at Red Laithes and a similar service at Paddock Village Hall in Huddersfield are closed.

A spokeswoman said: “There is no intention to stop providing services to those who currently attend Red Laithes Court and Paddock Village Hall.

“There will be a wide range of alternatives offered which may include people using direct payments to purchase their own support either as individuals or groups.

“If people do not want to take direct payments we will look at commissioning additional services.”

Mrs Badley, of Garfit Hill, Birstall, said: “They say people may club together to find alternative support.

“They suggested a luncheon club, but some people need help accessing the toilet or food cutting up for them. Ordinary luncheon clubs wouldn’t be able to do that.”

She said the council was putting the burden of finding venues, staff and transport onto service users and families, who also needed a break from their role as carers.

A decision on both services will be taken by Cabinet members on February 7.

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