Disgust as Kirklees Council axes facilities for disabled

May 18 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Parents outraged by closure of Footprints on Market Street

Nicola said Andrew, 28, suffers from a rare condition caller Prader-Willi which effects development and growth.

The mum-of-three said he loved working at Footprints and he was finding it hard to come to terms with the fact he would never go back.

She said: “At Footprints they were producing something and being given a sense of worth and some activity.”

She added that the team who ran Footprints were ‘fantastic’.

“John Green is the most fantastic, supportive, and understanding person – and to him it seemed it was more than just a job.”

Christine Turner’s son Kevin, 44, has Down Syndrome and the Upper Cumberworth mum said he was ‘devastated’.

She said: “I’ve been really upset about it because Kevin has got used to going to the place and he likes the routine.

“Why do this and upset them all? I cannot understand it at all.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “We are improving the range of day opportunities available through the new Highfields development.

“As part of this we are reviewing day services and this includes the Footprints service in Huddersfield.

“Footprints closed on May 8 but the shop will be redeveloped to provide a service to support adults with learning disabilities into paid employment and volunteering opportunities.

“Consultation with people who use our services have told us this is what they want.

“Everyone currently using Footprints will be able to access other opportunities provided by day services.”