Petition to save Cauwood Day Centre in Malton

The petition was launched in Malton Market Place and online on Saturday by parents Caroline Garrod and Stuart Moss, alongside Cllr Keane Duncan.

Campaigners say the “phenomenal response” shows the strength of feeling across Ryedale, with residents urging North Yorkshire Council to protect the specialist facility for disabled adults with complex needs.

Families say the threatened centre, based in Old Malton Road, is a “lifeline” that offers safety, routine, trusted support, dignity and vital respite.

The petition follows an 11th-hour reprieve last month when North Yorkshire Council postponed its planned decision to close the centre after Cllr Duncan and families challenged the lack of consultation.

Cllr Duncan said the original approach had caused families “unimaginable hell”.

The council is now consulting on Cauwood’s future, but campaigners say they remain deeply concerned as they urge as many people as possible to sign the petition and respond to the consultation.

Cllr Duncan said: “The response to this petition has been phenomenal. More than 500 people have signed in just three days, and that number is growing quickly.

“This shows the strength of feeling not just in Malton, but across Ryedale and beyond. People understand that Cauwood is a vital facility that must be protected for current users and future generations.

“North Yorkshire Council initially planned to close this centre without any consultation whatsoever. We believed that was a deeply flawed, unfair and potentially unlawful approach.

“While we ultimately secured a welcome reprieve, the fight to save Cauwood is far from over.

“Parents have vowed to fight with their last breath to protect this centre, and I am supporting them every step of the way.”

Stuart Moss, dad of Matty Moss, said the petition response from local people had given families renewed determination: “Everyone has been so incredibly positive. As soon as we mention Cauwood, people instantly know about our fight.

“They say it is unthinkable that the council could consider closing such an important place, and that it needs to be stopped. There was no hesitation at all – everyone wanted to sign.

“Matty was excited every single time and gave his thumbs up. That really says everything. Cauwood means the world to him. It is a place where he is safe, happy and understood.

“Families like ours are not going to quietly accept this. We will fight on because our loved ones deserve the best.

“This campaign is growing by the day. We will keep going until North Yorkshire Council listens.”

Caroline Garrod said: “Cauwood gives people like my daughter Natasha the chance to spend time in a safe and supportive environment.

“The message from people across Ryedale is clear: we must save Cauwood.

“Thank you to everyone who has already supported our fight. Every signature makes our campaign stronger and shows the council just how much Cauwood matters.

“We will not give up on Cauwood or on the people who need it.”

Residents can sign the petition here: https://form.jotform.com/cllrkeaneduncan/save-cauwood

Residents can also respond to North Yorkshire Council’s consultation here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/cauwood-day-service