A WORCESTER carer has written an impassioned letter begging council chiefs to keep two disabled day centres open.

The families of adults who use Pershore Care Centre in Station Road and the Perryfields Day Centre in Midland Road, Worcester, describe them as a lifeline.

But earlier this month Worcestershire County Council voted to close the centres, saving £200,000 and claiming the users would be better off elsewhere.

In an emotive letter, Yvonne Milne, of St John's, Worcester, who has been the one-to-one carer of Dwain Caines at the Pershore centre for the past 17 years, explains why it is so important that the council listens.

"What happened to valuing people and choices?" she writes.

"These men are not being given a choice. They are being told, this is what you need, this is what's best for you, this is what you are going to do, by people who have never met them."

Dear Sir,

Well, Perryfields and Pershore Day Centres are to close, what a surprise, you didn't need a crystal ball to be able to foretell that decision.

This was a done deal years ago, all they have done is dotted the Is and crossed the Ts.

Once more a decision has been taken, ignoring the wishes and arguments put forward by the very people who know what is best for their sons.

Eddie Clarke is convinced the men will be better off, is he? Participating in a wider community life etc etc. How many times has he met Mark, Matthew, Christina and Dwain? How many times has he visited Pershore Day Centre? In fact, how many of those cabinet members have met or even spoken to the men, or anyone with learning disabilities before they shot their hand up to vote.

I can understand that Perryfields may welcome the move as the building is drab and is in need of updating.

If we had the referrals for new service users, when others moved on for whatever reason, we would not be down to four, we would be running on full capacity.

What happened to valuing people and choices? These men are not being given a choice, they are being told this is what you need', this is what's best for you', this is what you are going to do', by people who have never met them.

Don't these councillors think that if this was the best way forward the parents, the carers and the staff would be supporting it and not fighting to keep Pershore open? These are the people who know best, the parents who look after them 24-7.

The move is in line with national policy? Bull - it's all about money.

It will be the same if they all move to Cherry Orchard, they will be promised the earth. Staff in abundance, training etc, but as soon as the budget runs out it will be cut backs, as it is now.

Staff are not replaced if they leave, you are told there is a blanket ban on recruitment. You ask for the hydrotherapy, no, the physiotherapist is not being replaced. Why? Where is the music we had once a week? Oh sorry, no money, it goes on and on.

They can waste money on rising bollards in Worcester that have never worked properly, there is always money if County Hall needs refurbishment.

Beware any parent who thinks their son or daughter is safe and happy where they are, because this could be you fighting in the near future.

I would like to thank Liz Tucker for her words of support. It is just a pity there are no more like her.

The fight goes on.

Yours faithfully,
Von Milne