UNISON is throwing its weight behind the community campaign to maintain high quality and valued service for adults with learning disabilities in Tenby.

This follows the cabinet report from Pembrokeshire County Council that threatens the future of the Avenue Centre in Tenby and the services delivered from there.

UNISON Pembrokeshire county branch secretary, Vic Dennis, said: “Our members who work in The Avenue and other centres across the county found the recent report ill-informed and offensive. In did not reflect anything like the service that they provide.

“The staff at The Avenue and other centres absolutely refute the allegation that that they do not encourage independence and that they create dependency. At a recent meeting with members, I was told of numerous examples of successes, where it has been possible.

“The service has been transforming and constantly changing. Sadly we have also seen the alternative where individuals are driven around the county and spend time in Tesco or garden centres whiling away hours. It is what our members refer to as ‘petrol therapy’.”

“The proposals here are simply a means to privatisation where people with less complex needs are supported ‘elsewhere’. This can easily result in a breakdown in the service and the costs of repair having to be picked up elsewhere at a greater cost,” he continued.

“The Avenue provides a valuable, centralised base where a co-ordinated service and range of activities are delivered. It also provides valuable year round employment for a number of people who did not deserve this slap in the face from their employer.

“The individuals that attend the Avenue centre are treated with respect and dignity wherever they are in Tenby and we fear that will be lost if they are scattered to the winds. Sadly it will not be happy Christmas for our members or the people who they support with dedication,” added Mr. Dennis.

An online petition named ‘Save Tenby Avenue Centre’ was also launched this week and has gained over 500 supporters within two days.

The campaign which is petitioning the county council’s cabinet leader Clr. Jamie Adams, against the Centre’s threat of closure, references a letter from fifty-three-year-old Kate Schofield, who’s twin sister Maggie, a Down’s Syndrome sufferer, has attended the facility since she was 16.

“Social Services made the Avenue Centre her world and now because there has been a much needed rethink people like Maggie and others of her generation should not have their world ripped apart because its the current trend,” wrote Kate.

A meeting at the centre called by the county council with the aim of starting parent/carer consultation was scheduled to take place yesterday (Thursday).

The online petition to save the Tenby centre can be found at the following link: https://www.change.org/p/pembrokeshire-county-council-s-cabinet-save-tenby-avenue-centre-petition