... Readers voice their feelings at the decision

THE confirmation that the Millbrook Unit will close has prompted a large reaction.

Although there will be mental health services remaining in Macclesfield many people took to Facebook to express their disappointment.

Here is a selection of the comments that followed this week’s decision by clinical commissioning groups:

Colette Jackson said: “Why not review the numbers of paper shufflers. Money wasted on service managers, managers, (and) deputy managers.”

James Barber said: “Thanks to a brilliant campaign, concessions were made.

“While these are welcome, it’s a disgrace that the unit itself is closing in a time when do many vulnerable people, young and old, desperately need care.

“It’s a backwards step to say the least.”

Philip Heathcote said: “Just as people are really opening up to mental health issues and starting to realise there should be no stigma attached to it they announce a closure.

“It’s hard enough getting people to open up to any problems they may have but when they do it’d be good to know there is support for them. Closing the unit would be a huge, huge loss.”

Helen Broadhurst said: “It’s appalling! You have the young Royals who are publicly trying to raise awareness of mental health and our unit shuts.

“There will be families destroyed as a consequence of this, I hope it weighs heavy on the shoulders of those who made this decision.”

Melanie Butson said: “How can mental health services improve if there is a reduction in services?

“There’s already a months long waiting list that you only get on if you harm yourself. This will cause a loss of jobs as well as reduce services for people who really need urgent care.”

Jenni Hodgkinson said: “At a loss to understand this decision. I witness daily people in the community that need this service.

“What I also want to know is what do they propose to do with Millbrook, just another facility going to waste. This isn’t good enough!”

Carl Wainwright said: “Doesn’t look like a victory at all when you look at what services Lime Walk House already provides.

“Doesn’t seem like anything has really been saved unless they’re extending Lime Walk.”