WORRIED families are demanding assurances over care services for adults with learning disabilities after it was confirmed two community hubs are to close.

Funding for Capability Scotland’s day centres at West Lane Gardens, in Johnstone, and Whitehaugh, in Paisley, will run out in April.

The buildings provide support and activities for almost 50 people with learning difficulties.

READ MORE: Service-users and carers hit out at end of funding for two centres

Renfrewshire Council stepped in with a funding package to save the centres from closure a year ago.

However, it has now been confirmed in a report to the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board (IJB) that services will not continue beyond April.

That has left parents such as Joyce and Jim Motherwell, whose daughter Lesley attends West Lane Gardens, seeking answers.

Joyce told The Gazette: “We are still waiting to find out what this means for Lesley but there are no guarantees she will get to stay on at West Lane Gardens.

“It would be common sense to keep offering servies at the same location but we haven’t had any contact with the people making the decisions for months.

“We still don’t know how many hours Lesley will be entitled to, how much it will cost and where she will have to go.

“It is a lot of stress for her and that’s unfair.”

Councillor Derek Bibby, whose ward covers West Lane Gardens, has also hit out at the impending closures.

The Gazette: Cllr Derek Bibby hit out at the closures Cllr Derek Bibby hit out at the closures

He said: “This will have a devastating and distressing effect on those who have had their lives enriched by attending these two centres, which have provided companionship, security and a first-class quality of care.

“The alternatives being offered cannot possibly emulate what is provided at West Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh.”

David Leese, chief officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership, and Christine Laverty, head of Learning Disability Services, have been helping families find alternative arrangements that meet their needs.

Ms Laverty said 21 people have moved on or are in transition to another service they have visited and said they want to use. Another 19 look set to move to Community Networks services where they can develop skills and independence.

READ MORE: Day centres set to be funded for another year

Dr Donny Lyons, chair of the IJB, said: “I express appreciation for David, Christine and their colleagues for the way they have worked in a difficult position and also to the council for funding the service over the past year.

“It’s a very difficult situation for all of us – one that we didn’t want to be in – and we have done our absolute best.”