Peterborough locals against closure of a hub for adults with learning disabilities are writing letters to the council

Campaigners fighting to save a hub for adults with learning disabilities say closure would mean more pressure on parents and carers.

It'll put more pressure of us as parents of someone with extra needs

The group protested outside the town hall on Wednesday.

During the protest they added 300 more signatures to a petition to save the industrial hub.

This has brought the total number over 2000.

It's down to us to provide

Stewart, who's son uses the industrial hub, said:

"It'll put more pressure of us as parents of someone with extra needs."

"Generally there's provision up to the age of 25 and then it all drops off."

"If there's nothing there or nothing really available for him to do then it's down to us to provide."

Now campaigners are writing letters to Peterborough City Council.

Our focus is making sure that it's long term future is guaranteed

Lead campaigner, Hayley Janceski, said:

"Our main focus is going to be asking the council to keep it open for the remainder of the lease so we can work together as a collective to make sure that it's long term future is guaranteed."

Stephen Taylor, executive director for adults services at Peterborough City Council, said:

'City College Peterborough (CCP) and Peterborough City Council (PCC) remain committed to providing good quality Day Opportunities for adults with learning difficulties, complex needs and autism across Peterborough.'

'A review with CCP’s dedicated and highly skilled staff is now taking place to look at the Day Opportunities - to see if it still meets the needs of users and if a different, more cost-effective model could be used that better reflects the modern world and our changing city.'

'This review does not mean that Day Opportunities will cease, or that users will receive a lesser service.'

'Once decisions have been made, we will work closely with families, carers, and community partners and professionals to navigate these changes and achieve the best possible outcomes for the people who rely on this provision.'

'Any person who is affected by the changes to services will be supported to source alternative opportunities should they need to.'

'We remain fully committed to working together to protect and strengthen these essential services in the face of financial pressures and our priority remains working collaboratively to find solutions that put the needs of those we support at the forefront.'

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