PLANS that could see children with severe disabilities having to travel to Stroud for respite breaks have been met with concern by local families and senior Forest councillors.

Gloucestershire County Council is consulting on proposals which could see the closure of The Collies short break home in Coleford.

The council says there has been a significant drop in the numbers staying in the county’s three homes as families opt for more flexible breaks which include a wide range of arts, sports, leisure activities, Saturday jobs and holidays by other providers.

The council says those who wish to continue to stay at a short break home will be able to use Harewood House in Stroud.

The proposed closure comes at a time when there is mounting concern about public services, such as courts, being relocated away from the Forest.

Leader of the Forest Council, Cllr Patrick Molyneux (Con, Woolaston and Hewelsfield) said he would be seeking assurances from the county council’s Cabinet member for long-term care, Cllr Kathy Williams (Con, Longlevens).

He said: “The Collies is a great facility that has done a lot of very good work and does look after some of the most profoundly disabled children in the district.

“That sort of care and opportunity for the families needs to be easily accessible – I’m not sure Stroud would come under my definition of easily accessible.”

Cllr Molyneux, who is also county councillor for Tidenham, added: I’ll be speaking to the Cabinet member at county to get reassurances.

“We need to make sure we are making decisions on the right basis and there is suitable, locally available care to substitute for the respite care The Collies gives.”

Deputy leader of the Forest Council and county councillor Brian Robinson (Con, Mitcheldean) said: “The county council argues the private sector is able to offer a lot of solutions that are more attractive to users.

“We in the Forest would want to make sure that is the case – we are keeping an eye on it. We need to make sure it is being done for the right reason and some of the most vulnerable children and their families are not disadvantaged.”

A parent of a child who has used the service said: “The Collies provides a valuable and essential respite service for families who have children with a disability.

“Bringing up a child with a disability can be physically and mentally exhausting.

“The Collies provided us with a few precious hours a month to do the things with siblings that we were unable to do  otherwise.

“For our child the experience of mixing with people outside of school and family was invaluable.

“I believe that without the work and input of The Collies our family would have suffered immeasurably.”

The consultation runs until November 20.