Decision-maker dismisses dozens at Shropshire meeting as not 'significant'
Dozens of people who packed a council meeting to protest at the closure of adult day care centres in Shropshire have been dismissed as not "significant or representative" by the man who made the decision.
Councillor Tim Barker said he did not believe carers and service users who attended a meeting which scrutinised his decision held the same views as the majority of families who use adult day services.
His comments were today attacked by those who had been at the meeting.
Councillor Barker was solely responsible for the decision to close two day care centres in Shrewsbury and two in Oswestry once a replacement has been found. The future of other centres is under review.
John Miles, whose son Simon, 46, and daughter Claire, 41, both use the service in Church Stretton, said: "As a carer of a son and daughter with learning disabilities, who are affected by day centre closures, I attended the scrutiny committee meeting.
"As there were about 80 carers and their supporters present I fail to understand how Councillor Barker regards this as being insignificant or unrepresentative."
Councillor Barker, the portfolio holder for adult services, made his comments in a written response to Councillor Mansel Williams, which has been submitted to Thursday's meeting of the full council.
Shropshire Council's decision on the future of adult day care involved the closure of two centres, as well as the closure of two more once a replacement site is found.
The Hartley's centre and Sabrina Court in Shrewsbury were earmarked for immediate closure, while Avalon and Lorne Street in Oswestry will close in future. The centre in Innage Lane, Bridgnorth, is under review and there are concerns about the future at Mayfair in Church Stretton.
The decision was taken by Councillor Tim Barker alone under new delegated powers after he had considered a report by Stephen Chandler, director of adult social care.
But that decision was "called in" by Labour group leader Alan Mosley, who, along with Liberal Democrat councillors, called for an independent commission, involving representatives of all parties, experts and relevant groups, to review and report on plans.
