Council drops care closure plans

Protesters had opposed the plans to close the ARCs

A council has withdrawn proposals to close four centres for adults with learning disabilities as part of its bid to find budget savings of £6.5m.

The plans for Activity and Resource Centres (ARCs) in Dumfries and Galloway had been opposed by parents and carers.

It was one of a number of measures being considered by the authority as it looks to reduce its annual expenditure.

The authority has stressed that no final decisions will be made on any moves until early next year.

The proposed cuts are across all services but the biggest departments - education and social work - would see the most significant reductions.

Disabled badges

The total number of jobs under threat is unclear but is certainly more than 150 - including about 70 frontline teaching or classroom support posts.

Other proposed cuts include some recycling facilities and grass-cutting for the elderly.

The introduction of a £20 fee to issue blue badges to disabled drivers has also been put forward for consideration.

Opposition Labour councillors have claimed the cuts target the most vulnerable people in society.

However, the ruling Tory/Lib Dem administration has accused them of scaremongering.