KEY opponents to the closure of Spalding’s Chappell Centre will speak to county councillors at a meeting in Lincoln later this month.
Maurice Chappell and Michael Lee will address the Adult Scrutiny Committee on February 28 after winning massive backing for their campaign to save the Pinchbeck Road centre which caters for more than 50 vulnerable adults.
More than 5,800 people signed their petition, South Holland and The Deepings MP John Hayes declared the Chappell Centre will not close on his “watch” and Churches Together in Spalding and District aired “grave concerns” about the county’s proposal.
Mr Chappell said: “When we go to Lincoln, we will be highlighting the importance of The Chappell Centre and pointing out it is not just a lifeline to the users but to their families as well.
“Some parents have got severely handicapped sons and daughters and they need the correct facilities, including sensory rooms.”
Mr Chappell (83) has a daughter at The Chappell Centre and the building was named after his father who gave distinguished public service over many years as a councillor.
The Government is switching disabled people to personal budgets – so they buy their own care – but families of service users say the budgets will be useless if Lincolnshire shuts its adult social care day centres.
Council plans include closure of 29 similar centres around the county and withdrawing funding of respite care places at Cedar House, next door to the Chappell Centre, and Swallow Lodge, in North Hykham.
The council executive meets on March 6 to make a final decision on the closure plans.