Anger over county council plans to shut learning disability centre

THERE was anger and frustration after Somerset County Council announced plans to close a learning disability centre in Taunton.

Six Acres Resources Centre, which offers support for more than 90 vulnerable people, will close its doors in March.

The news of the centre’s closure has sparked a heated response from councillors and residents.

Alex Roland, an IT technician and social worker, said: “What a great loss for the local community. It will be sadly missed and our thoughts go to the many staff and people who use this facility.”

The council says it aims to bring forward plans to modernise learning disability support in the county town, and its staff are completing reviews of its recipients’ care needs.

Working with Discovery social enterprise, which operates the centre, affected people will be found suitable, community-based and creative ways to meet their needs.

A spokesman for Discovery said its service in Taunton “is not ceasing” and will find a solution to offering care to vulnerable adults in the town.

Shadow cabinet member for adult services, Councillor Bill Revans, said it was a “hugely worrying move” and “vulnerable adults have been let down”.