A GROUP of parents from Bromsgrove fear the council will be putting their children “at risk” if they close a vital respite centre for disabled young people.

Worcestershire County Council has begun a consultation on the future of Ludlow Road Short Breaks Unit, in Kidderminster, with one possible option being its closure.

The centre offers a valuable service to families across the county, with some in Bromsgrove fearing for the devastating effect its loss could have on their children.

Clare Neal, whose wheelchair-bound son Sam, 11, has attended the centre for seven years, said: “Ludlow Road is a place where he is happy and well-cared for, a home from home.

“It’s a life-line to our family and has taken years for Sam to build relationships with the staff.

“He requires round-the-clock care and is nonverbal so unable to communicate effectively, but knowing he is safe enables us to recharge our batteries and continue caring.

“The alternative provisions does not put Sam’s needs first but actually puts him at risk.”

Alternatives include moving children to centres in Worcester, Malvern or Bromsgrove, but Clare believes the sites are either too far or do not cater for Sam’s needs.

Other parents in Bromsgrove are also fearful should the council axe the centre, which it provides for more than £618,000 per year.

Bromsgrove dad Kevin Paddock, whose 10-year-old son Joshua attends Ludlow, said: “It’s disgusting that the council are saying they are looking at several options when it fact what they are actually saying is that they are closing Ludlow Road and moving families to other facilities without their approval.

“All that appears to be of interest to the council is the capital receipt for selling the land, but at what cost to the families and children?”

Another parent from Bromsgrove, Amanda Danby, whose son Mason, 16, uses the centre, added: “There will never be a place like it.

“All the staff are professional with their care but make it also a home-from-home, which makes it a very special place.”

A petition urging the council to keep Ludlow open has already received 6,710 signatures, while 743 names were added at a rally in Kidderminster over the weekend.

Councillor Andy Roberts, cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: "The welfare of children, young people and families in Worcestershire is our top priority.

"We know how important short break services are to families as they give much needed respite for parents and carers, and provide disabled children and young people with the opportunity to meet new people and to enjoy different experiences.

"Short break services will continue to be provided by Worcestershire County Council but we believe they can be delivered better in future so they meet the individual needs of each family.

"We are currently consulting on the future provision of short breaks delivered in overnight units. There are a range of different proposals and at this stage no decisions have been made.

"During the six-week consultation, we're offering one-to-one conversations with families who access short breaks at Ludlow Road to hear their views and to determine a suitable alternative that fits in with their individual needs if this unit is no longer available to provide support for them in the future."

To comment on the consultation visit worcestershire.gov.uk/SENDupdates.