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Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has raised the proposed closure of the Hillcrest children's home and respite centre in Stornoway with the Comhairle.

 

A council budget cut plans to axe a contract with the Action for Children-operated facility would lead to it shutting.

 

It leaves parents of children with additional support needs worried over of their children's future care provision.

 

It also means  the respite care service available at the home would be axed. Affected families are angry as say respite care is a very valuable service as it provides temporary relief, perhaps even for one night to families who are caring for a child and helps them cope the rest of the time

 

Some 28 jobs at the facility are at risk while a further 24 posts may be also affected if the knock-on effect makes the associated Action for Children service at Bayhead, Stornoway, unsustainable.

 

Mrs Grant said “I have spoken to the leader of the Comhairle, Angus Campbell, about the uncertainty and worry this proposed closure is causing to both parents and staff.

 

"I am pleased he is listening to these concerns and I hope that any changes will be made in consultation with the parents and staff and that it will be a managed transition."

 

Mrs Grant continued “What is clear is that there is a desperate need for more respite in the islands and I will continue to push to ensure that need is met.”

 

MSP raises children's home closure issue

 

4 February 2016