Views are sought on home closure
PLANS to shut down a residential home for adults with learning disabilities are going out to public consultation.
Leicestershire County Council cabinet members agreed to the move at their most recent meeting.
It means families of those affected can have their say along with the wider population.
The plans focus on closing The Trees in Deveron Way Hinckley, home to seven adults, and turning into a short stay respite hub.
This is part of a wider strategy to switch the emphasis away from residential care to a broader range of personalised care.
The shutdown and conversion and closure of two homes in Coalville will also afford savings of around £100,000 from an adults and communities department budget which needs to trim £11 million by 2021.
However, the proposals have angered relatives of the current occupants of The Trees and a petition has been launched calling for it to stay as it is.
Tony Robinson, from Burbage, has a son, James, who has lived at the home for six years and is happy and settled.
He, like others, fears splitting up the group would be extremely traumatic and create confusion and distress.
The county says no decisions have been made and they are keen to listen to all views.
Richard Blunt, the county council’s cabinet member for adult social care, says that the ‘top priority’ will be to fully understand the impact of the proposals on residents and people who use the services.
He said: “We’ve not made any decisions at this stage. Nothing has been ruled in and nothing has been ruled out. I would encourage people to have their say when the consultation launches.
“We’ll ensure that residents and people who use the services receive care and support which is as good as they are currently receiving and which will continue to support them into the future.”
The consultation starts on Monday February 19 and will last for eight weeks.