‘Curious financial reasoning’

Tomorrow (September 15) Unite Community members will march to Bristol council to hand in a petition against the closure of beds for disabled children at a local respite centre.

The petition has 2,500 signatures from local residents who are angry at the mayor’s decision to axe the number of beds available as part of cost-cutting measures.

George Ferguson, the independent mayor of Bristol is pressing ahead with plans to cut five beds at The Bush respite centre in order to try and save ÂŁ350,000-a-year, despite widespread opposition and the full council rejecting his proposals in February.

“The Bush respite centre provides a vital service to our community, offering care and support to the most vulnerable children and pressured families in our city,” said Unite community coordinator Brett Sparkes.

The campaign was fronted by Unite’s Bristol Community branch after member Ornella Saibene, who has a disabled godson relying on the unit’s services, raised the issue.

“The recently refurbished building has excellent facilities. Fostering, befriending, short breaks and direct payments are no match to the resources and care at the Bush,” added Sparkes.

Unite has also raised ‘the curious financial reasoning’ that sees the much-needed beds facing the axe, while  the council spend £2.3 million on 20 mph road signs in the city.

Richard Mills, research director at Research Autism described the closure of the Bush as illogical and said it must be resisted.

“It is my firm view that families of children with complex needs require short break services that are accessible and reliable, and have the guaranteed capacity to support their children and where they can have complete confidence that their children will receive expert care in an environment that is fit for purpose,” said Mills.

The petition will be handed in to the full council meeting at St George’s Hall, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR at 5.45pm on Tuesday (September 15).

“These cuts, if they are allowed to go ahead, will start the slippery slope towards closure of The Bush. Unite Community is standing in solidarity with the children and families that rely on its crucial services,” said Sparkes.