A NEW hub for people with learning disabilities is to be set up in Johnstone, leading a campaigning councillor to say there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.

The move follows a battle to keep Capability Scotland services in Paisley’s Whitehaugh and Johnstone’s West Lane Gardens operating.

Renfrewshire Council cash had been found to keep them open throughout the last year, while self-directed support budgets were put in place for people using the services.

READ MORE: Families call for answers over closure of two ‘lifeline’ Renfrewshire services

But it was confirmed in late January that funding for the centres would not continue into the next financial year.

However, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership will extend its Community Network service, which helps people with learning disabilities to develop and maintain the skills needed to lead a healthy and safe lifestyle.

The Gazette: Cllr Iain Nicolson said all staffing options would be explored Cllr Iain Nicolson said all staffing options would be explored

This will see a hub established in Johnstone and capacity extended at Spinners Gate in Paisley.

Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “Extending the community networks service into Johnstone and expanding its capacity in Paisley is an important step, recognising the high-quality care and support this service provides and responding to what service users, carers and family members want.

“It means the established relationships between service users can be maintained and I know work is ongoing to explore all staffing options, recognising the importance of familiarity for service users.”

Councillor Derek Bibby, whose wards covers West Lane Gardens, claimed service users had grown “weary” from the fight to keep the service operating.

He added: “They’re probably thinking it’s going to happen every year and then it’s just going to be more uncertainty.

“I always thought if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. It would be a comfort if they are kept together through the Community Network.

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

“Having a Community Network in Johnstone is a chink of light at the end of the tunnel. This is primarily about a group of service users wanting to stay together.

The Gazette: Cllr Derek Bibby called for assurance that service-users would stay together Cllr Derek Bibby called for assurance that service-users would stay together

“Whatever the situation is they should be given that opportunity.”

At the last meeting of Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board, officers confirmed they were considering West Lane Gardens as a potential site for the new hub.