Care closure proposals criticised

Relatives have criticised the council's money saving proposals

Relatives of people who use centres for adults with learning disabilities have criticised proposals to close a number of them in southern Scotland.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is considering shutting four of its six Activity and Resource Centres (ARCs).

It would see 30 full-time jobs lost but could save the authority more than £650,000 a year.

However, relatives of the centre users have claimed the move could ultimately end up costing the council more money.

The ARC closures were among a number of measures put to the council's social services committee last week in a bid to save £1.5m from its budget.

'No plan'

Officials said that instead of providing day care at a specific building, clients would be offered alternative personalised services within the community.

The council has promised to consult widely with the community before reaching any final decision.

However, Chris Green, who has a relative who uses the centre in Castle Douglas, said it would not make economic sense.

"The problem we have with all of this is this is suddenly sprung on us," he said.

He said there was "clearly no plan" and no indication of what alternative was going to be put in place.

"The cost of distributing this care will outweigh any possible savings - it is just going to cost a lot more money," he added.