OUR story on Saturday about the closure of Perryfields Day Centre and Pershore Care Centre will have saddened many people - us included.

Worcestershire County Council says the "difficult" decision will save £198,000 in total, and that it understands the disruption caused for the four disabled people, and their families, who use the centres.

We don't think councillors really understand at all.

Today we carry the story of Michael Oliver. His brother David says the 63-year-old is unlikely to cope with such a fundamental change in his life, despite being moved to Cherry Orchard for what the council calls an "improved service".

But the four people at the heart of this won't care. Michael has been going to Perryfields for more than three decades - he and his friends shouldn't be forced to change.

Philip Gretton, cabinet member for adult and community services, says he doesn't consider the upheaval to be as bad as moving home. This is an insensitive remark.

On Saturday Pauline Caines, whose 21-year-old son Dwaine attends Pershore, said she wishes she could swap places with a councillor so they would know the difficulties of caring for the profoundly-disabled.

So we echo that sentiment today. We challenge one of the councillors who ratified this decision to go and live with one of these families. Experience the difficulties for yourself then report back and discuss the closures again.

Perhaps then you will come to a better-informed conclusion.