CRUNCH talks will be held today on the future of day centres in Johnstone and Paisley.

A special meeting of Renfrewshire Council has been called to discuss the proposed closure of West Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh centres, which provide services for people with learning disabilities.

As revealed in The Gazette, Capability Scotland confirmed earlier this month it could no longer subsidise the delivery of the services.

Cllr Eddie Devine, leader of the council’s Labour group, said councillors have been “bombarded” with angry messages and hopes his colleagues will get behind him in fighting to save them.

He said: “There has been shock and dismay at the decision.

“The Labour group will demand the council take action today to ensure this much-loved service will continue.

“People who attend the centres were told of the closures on July 24.

“Over the last five weeks, which must have seemed like an eternity to them, they have sought answers and reassurance. They have received nothing of the sort and this uncertainty cannot continue.

“There is no greater responsibility for a council than the best interests of its most vulnerable people.

“All 43 councillors need to be the ones that make decisions which affect those interests and I hope every councillor will support the users of this service.”

The buildings at West Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh are owned by Renfrewshire Council and leased to Capability Scotland.

The charity has told council chiefs it will sever its ties with both centres in October.

A spokesman for Capability Scotland added: “Capability Scotland can no longer subsidise the delivery of these services and, despite long-standing efforts with Renfrewshire Council and subsequently the Health and Social Care Partnership, we have been unable to develop a sustainable model for the future.

“We are currently in discussion with our customers, their carers and our staff and union partners regarding the impact of our decision.”

Cllr Jacqueline Cameron, chair of the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board, said: “We are committed to ensuring we continue to meet the needs of service users and carers who access these services.

“Day services offer a wide range of opportunities for people with a learning disability, giving them the chance to enjoy a range of educational and leisure activities.

“The Scottish Government’s introduction of self-directed support legislation gives people more choice and control than ever over when and where they access social care.”