Mums and dads of vulnerable young people are overjoyed at winning their fight to keep open a centre for adults with special needs.
Parents were furious when Cheshire West and Chester Council began consulting over the proposed closure of the Mulberry Centre in Sealand Road, Chester.
With the support of Blacon ward councillor Reggie Jones, they started a petition, spread the word through Facebook and had planned a demonstration. So successful was their campaign that the council has now scrapped its plans.
Karen Shannon, from Durham Road, Blacon, whose 22-year-old daughter Tyler loves the centre, said: “I’m really made up. I would like to thank The Chronicle for their support and especially Reggie Jones for all his hard work. We are talking about the most vulnerable people in society and threatening to close the Mulberry was disgusting.”
The council, and its care provider Vivo, have confirmed “there are no plans to close the facility”. Vivo will now work with service users and families on a business case for the future improvement of all its services, including reconsidering the use of the Mulberry Centre.
Cllr Brenda Dowding, executive member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “It is clear from the consultation feedback just how much service users, their families and carers cherish the Mulberry Centre and value the care and support it provides.
In light of this, the council and the Learning Disability Partnership Board have decided to end the consultation early, rather than allowing its full 12-week duration.
“As a new company, we feel Vivo would benefit from more time working with service users, families and their carers to establish how best their needs can be met, both now and in the future.”
Cllr Reggie Jones told campaigners: “This is great news and is a credit to all of you who demonstrated your passion for the Mulberry and the value it brings to your children. In light of the council’s about turn there is no longer a need to continue campaigning, indeed the hard work starts now in terms of creating greater usage of the Mulberry.
“Take a moment to congratulate yourselves and raise a glass of wine/pop/champagne/tea or coffee, it matters not, the important thing is to toast a job well done.”
