Protests in vain as the axe falls on eight centres for the vulnerable
THE cries of protesters, union chiefs and politicians to spare eight adult day centres proved to be futile, as Derbyshire County Council rubber-stamped a decision to close the facilities for people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
As dozens of campaigners picketed outside County Hall, in Matlock, on October 13, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet agreed the phased closure of the centres, including the one at Ashbourne Library, which is a combined service with Wirksworth.
The other centres now set to close are in Renishaw, Coal Aston and Newhall, as well as Whitemoor in Belper and Oxcroft Lane, Carter Lane and Whitwell in Bolsover district.
The move was made as part of the Learning Disability Day Opportunities Service Redesign, which promotes the use of Community Connectors to aid service users with find employment and volunteering opportunities.
At the start of the meeting, Labour leader Councillor Joan Dixon asked cabinet members whether they considered that closing the centres would be a “breach of the individuals’ human rights”.
Cabinet member for adult care Councillor Natalie Hoy responded that a great deal of thought had been put into service users’ wellbeing, and changes to services did not impact upon the Human Rights Act.
She stated: “We want to offer Derbyshire people with learning disabilities and autism the chance to live the life they want to live.”
Cllr Hoy said fewer service users wanted to use a “building-based service” and said the redesign offered them greater choices.
The council states it is keeping Alderbrook, in Chinley, No Limits, in Chesterfield, Outlook, in Long Eaton, and Parkwood, in Alfreton open for those who need them, and will foot the bill for travel to and from the facilities. In approving the plans, cabinet members celebrated the move towards a new way of delivering services that provides people a greater variety of opportunities by moving away from traditional day centres.