Angry outbursts as council votes to close Stanley Centre at Knutsford

There were calls of ‘shame on you’ from the public gallery as the adults and health committee today (Monday) made the decision to close the Stanley Centre in Knutsford, which caters for 20 people.

Giles Millerchip, whose brother has attended the centre for many years, told the committee the consultation clearly showed that the people using the centre wanted it to stay open.

“The proposals of this report are to take away their choice and to move them away from their locality and their local community rather than including them in their local community,” said Mr Millerchip.

He said the numbers, with regard to the savings the council says it will make, don’t add up.

“You can’t possibly make a decision when the outcomes of this consultation so clearly fly in the face of what the report is pushing you to do. Neither, would I suggest,  can you make a legally viable decision when the facts are based on figures that are complete works of fiction,” he said.

Helen Charlesworth-May (Image: Cheshire East Council)Helen Charlesworth-May, executive director of adults, health and integration, said if the savings weren’t made here they would have to be found elsewhere.

“This proposal has been made because we are seeking to balance our ability to deliver services for individuals against our ability and need to balance the council’s budget,” she said.

“We will continue to meet the needs of individuals currently using the centre, albeit in a way that is different to that which is being delivered at the moment.”

Cllr Stewart Gardiner (Image: Cheshire East Council)Knutsford councillor Stewart Gardiner (Con) said he believed the decision could be challenged on the grounds of pre-determination because there was no alternative option offered other than closure - and because the Stanley Centre had already been removed from the budget (MTFS).

“That MTFS was approved by council in February, and the consultation took place after that date, therefore there is pre-determination on behalf of the council,” he said.

Several Conservative councillors, together with Independent Nicola Cook, questioned the council’s figures – and still seemed unconvinced with the explanation given by officers.

Others questioned the impact on friendship groups – although Mrs Charlesworth-May said the council would be sensitive to friendship groups that had formed at the centre.

Knutsford councillor Peter Coan (Con) said: “I can’t support the destruction of those relationships that have been built.”

Cllr Kate Parkinson (Image: Cheshire East Council)Cllr Kate Parkinson (High Legh, Con) told the committee: “It seems to me that whatever the residents have said, whatever they have wanted, has been completely ignored and I see that as disability discrimination.”

She added: “These residents are going to be split up, I’m hearing. How is that going to affect people who have learning difficulties and disabilities?”

She asked whether the council had looked at re-purposing Bexton Court and Stanley House so that money could be brought in from that.

Cllr Arthur Moran (Image: Cheshire East Council)

Nantwich councillor Arthur Moran (Ind) said the financial situation of the council had become worse since the MTFS was approved in February.

“I don’t relish having to make a decision like this,” said Cllr Moran. ”To do nothing - I don’t think that is an option. I think we have got to take the recommendation. It’s a hard recommendation but, at the end of the day, I’m afraid to say that’s the only option we’ve got today.”

Seven councillors voted to approve the closure, with alternative service provision to be provided within other Care4CE day services and independent sector provision.

The five Conservative councillors voted against and one Independent councillor abstained.