Decision on closure of centre in Malton postponed at meeting

The decision to close Cauwood Day Centre in Malton was postponed at the 11th hour by North Yorkshire Council.

Users were told just last week that the facility faced closure under proposals by the authority.

In response, the families launched a campaign to save Cauwood, which specialises in offering essential activities to disabled adults, assisted by Ryedale councillors.

Cllr Keane Duncan, who joined Cauwood user Matty, and parents, at the Council’s Executive Committee meeting, held at Ripon Town Hall, said: “This is welcome news but follows 12 days of unimaginable hell for the families involved.

“We believed it was potentially unlawful, but certainly undemocratic, to attempt to close this centre without any consultation. After frantic cross-party appeals, the council’s solicitor ultimately agreed it would be legally risky for the Executive to proceed today with its decision.

Cllr Duncan, who represents Norton, added: “The fight to save this vital centre is not over, in fact it’s only just beginning. But this is a welcome reprieve. It’s important now that those impacted are treated with the dignity and respect they so rightly deserve.”

Amotherby and Ampleforth Cllr Steve Mason said: “At times like these, cooperation and coordinating our efforts pays off, following Cllr Duncan’s call to action, I took these concerns in the the Care and Independence committee on Monday, with the expectation that the potential closure will be scrutinised properly. It should not have got to this decision point without some level of investigation by the committee with the actual oversight of the issue. Politics does work when we come together.”

Cllr Lindsay Burr, who represents Malton, said: “Years of underinvestment has given the decision makers to claim the site is not fit for purpose. It beggar’s belief !

“I pleaded passionately to the executive councillors to take time to rethink! They must consider the devastating consequences of possible closure.

“If Cauwood was given the red light to close it will be life changing for the adult learners, the parents and the community who use these vital services in Malton. Fighting is the only way forward to keep Cauwood open.”

Cauwood, which was set up in 1991, operates on a daily basis and offers a wide range of activities for users including a dedicated art room, kitchen, sensory room, and large communal room.

A report to the Executive committee said: “Cauwood Day Service is an older building and both it and the service we are providing is no longer fit for purpose.

“A difficult decision is needed to close the service in order to both re-provide in local alternative community-based solutions for people in Ryedale and surrounding areas, and enable the wider site to be considered for provision of a new Extra Care Housing scheme in Malton.”