Ealing Council is set to examine proposals for a new respite centre this evening (November 15) after the council said it had listened to campaigners upset with the closure of Heller House .
Labour councillor Binda Rai said Ealing Council is considering a new respite facility after liaising with campaigners, and is set to examine proposals at tonight's cabinet meeting.
Parents were left heartbroken in February this year when councillors voted to close Southall's Heller House in February earlier this year, which provided short breaks for young people in the borough with complex disabilities.
Councillors claimed the building was not fit for purpose and opted for a "spot-purchase system" with contracts given to providers, in some cases outside of Ealing.
But parents, who were offered care as far as Croydon , urged the council to build a new centre through a petition .
The council will now look into ways of opening a new centre.
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Summary
That’s it from us. Enjoy the rest of your evening and follow getwestlondon for a full report tomorrow.
Agreed! Council will press ahead with new respite centre after survey
Ealing Council will press ahead with a site alongside the Log Cabin in Northfields.
The findings of a survey, assessing all options, will be discussed at a meeting in March next year.
Read getwestlondon tomorrow for a full report.
Ealing Council to get 'preferential rights'
Council officer Chris Jones asked about the risk of Ealing Council being outbid by other boroughs.
He said they will be given “preferential rights”.
Campaigner Jacqueline Swords: "When is it intended to open?
Campaigner Jaqueline Swords: “We welcome the council’s decision, it is the product of a long process.
“The decision reflects an understanding and acceptance of the argument we have made throughout.
“We now have an opportunity to develop a building that will meet the needs of children.
“We have some concerns about the council’s preferred option of the Log Cabin.
“When is it intended to open? Who will it support?
“Please let’s get it right, thank you”.
Cllr Gary Malcolm concerned about size of new respite centre
Liberal Democrat councillor Gary Malcolm has expressed concerns over the size of a proposed new respite centre.
Site alongside Log Cabin in Northfields proposed as one option
One of the locations proposed for the new centre is a site alongside the Log Cabin in Northfields.
Money will come from sale of Heller House
Cllr Rai said that the money needed to purchase the new home will be made from the sale of Heller House, which will increase due to Crossrail.
Cllr Rai: "This facility will ease their transition into adulthood".
Commenting on the new home, Cllr Rai: “This facility will ease their transition into adulthood”.
Report recommends £1.5m is released for new home
Cllr Binda Rai said it has been recommended that £1.5m is released for a new respite centre.
Cllr Hitesh Tailor will not be attending
Ealing Council leader Councillor Julian Bell has said that Cllr Hitesh Tailor will not be attending tonight’s meeting.
Councillors arrive ahead of discussion
Councillors are currently arriving ahead of tonight’s cabinet meeting.
