Proposal to close Malton day centre for adults with special needs face opposition
Community voices concern over potential impact on vulnerable users
The closure of a day centre for adults with special needs to make way for a new extra care housing scheme could be “catastrophic” for users of the service, councillors have been warned.
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive committee will get an update on plans to develop an extra care scheme in Old Malton Road, Malton today (Tuesday 20th).
A former old people’s home and the Cauwood Day Service currently occupy the site.
Council officers have recommended that the day centre be closed to make way for the new development, with its services offered elsewhere in Ryedale.
The centre currently supports seven people, who have either a learning disability and/or autism, or other physical and sensory needs.
Users are supported with activities such as arts and crafts and have access to a sensory room.
A report for councillors notes that there has been limited demand for the service over the past five years, with only two new people using the service since 2020.
Officers say the property is outdated, in an isolated location, has high maintenance costs and staffing issues.
The report concludes: “The current operational position at Cauwood Day Service indicates that it is not sustainable to continue to deliver services from the site in the medium-long term.
“It is, therefore, recommended that Cauwood Day Service ceases to deliver services from Autumn 2026, enabling investment in alternative community-based solutions for people.”
But the proposed closure has raised concerns in the local community.
A cross-party group of local politicians have written to council leader Carl Les and chief executive Richard Flinton to highlight the worries.
The letter, initiated by Norton division member Keane Duncan, has been signed by Pickering councillor Joy Andrews, Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, member for Hunmanby and Sherburn, and Councillor Steve Mason, who represents the Amotherby and Ampleforth division.
It states: “The fact that representatives from across the political spectrum are united in writing this letter underlines the strength of feeling about the importance of this service and the concerns surrounding the current proposal.
“We have been contacted by families and carers who are gravely concerned by the potential closure. It is impossible not to be struck by their accounts of just how vital this service is to some of the most vulnerable residents in our community – and the potentially catastrophic impact its loss could have.
“We are particularly concerned by the speed at which this decision is being brought forward, with less than two weeks between families first being informed that closure was “highly likely” and a final decision being taken by the executive.”
Parent Caroline Garrod, from Helperthorpe, near Malton, has also written to Cllr Les raising concerns about the proposed closure.
Her 24-year-old daughter, who has a range of health issues, including autism and pathological demand avoidance.
She said: “We’re still in shock, to be honest, because there is nowhere for our daughter to go. There’s a reason she goes there, and there’s a reason all of those service users go there. Two have been there since the day it opened in 1991.
“They are assuming that they can just push them out into community-based provision. They haven’t even looked at the files of the people that are involved. This decision could prove catastrophic for the people who use the centre.”
Cllr Les confirmed that the executive would discuss the report at a meeting on Tuesday.
“The executive member will tell us why we have to think about making changes,” he added.