I am extremely concerned the Labour-Independent coalition at Cheshire East Council are proposing to close the Stanley Centre in Knutsford.

The centre is a vital resource, providing day care facilities for older people and adults with special needs.

It not only allows its clients to enjoy different activities and socialise with others, but it also helps support them with personal skills and independence, as well as offering much needed respite for their carers.

Closing the centre will isolate vulnerable people and their families.

The council claims closing the centre will save £229,000 and it says it needs to make savings in order to balance its books.

The maths does not add up to me, especially given the council received significantly more money from government than it had budgeted for.

In addition, it is increasing its revenue by raising council tax to the highest percentage increase allowed for the second year running.

I have written to council bosses asking for clarification around the figures being used to justify the closure.

I have made my views clear and so have the local Conservative councillors, Stewart Gardiner and Tony Dean, who I have been working with on this issue as we try to save the centre.

I know from speaking with families of users how much of a lifeline this centre is and what a difference it makes to the lives of the clients and their families.

Both myself and Cllr Gardiner have been concerned over the council’s intentions regarding the centre long before its proposed closure came to light.

Our concerns began when the centre did not reopen immediately following the lifting of Covid restrictions.

We raised the issue at the time with council officials but were told in no uncertain terms there were no plans to close the centre.

Months later we find ourselves fighting to save this vital resource.

The closure forms part of the council’s budget proposals which is being voted on this week.

I urge everyone to show public support for this facility to secure it for its current users and for those who will benefit from its services in future.

Adults with learning difficulties are already poorly served in Knutsford and the closure of the Stanley Centre will just exacerbate this. It cannot be allowed to happen.