Lancashire County Council offices

A replacement respite home for children with disabilities could be built in Farington or Chorley – with parents using a centre in Fulwood expected to transfer.

The Bungalow in Fulwood is earmarked for closure as Lancashire County Council closes a number of respite centres across the county.

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Two options have been put forward for the new overnight break centre for children with disabilities.

Lynnhurst, in Stansfield Lane, Farington, a former residential home, and Rydal House in Chorley Hall Road, Chorley, a former children’s unit.

Either site will involve knocking down the existing buildings and creating a high-spec centre from scratch, with the latest in technology and adaptations. This will provide a stimulating, easy-to-use and comfortable environment where young people with disabilities can have overnight breaks and spend time with their friends.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: ” I’d like to thank the families and staff members who have worked so hard to help us plan the transformation of our residential overnight break service for children with disabilities.

“It’s very exciting to have reached the stage where we are starting to look at locations for the first purpose-built new unit, and I will be following progress from start to finish with great interest.

“Our current overnight break units are extremely well loved, even though their age, structure and condition now mean that they need to be replaced.

“Children and young people with complex disabilities deserve the best we can give them and I am confident that the new buildings, coupled with the continuing outstanding care provided by our staff, will provide equally popular with them and their families.”

The number of residential care workers employed by the county council is expected to be reduced as a result of the changes to the number of care centres.

The consultation on where the new centres should be built runs until Monday 6 January 2014.

More information is available www.lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay Forms can be requested by post: FAO Craster Fenwick, Room B38, County Hall, Preston, PR1 8RJ, or by hand at any of the county council’s residential overnight breaks units.