Day centre closure plans ‘inexcusable’, user says

Max Hilton, who is cared for by his mother Sam Matthews, uses Hookstead day centre two days a week

The reasons for closing a day centre for people with learning disabilities in East Sussex are being questioned by those who rely on it.

East Sussex County Council has proposed to close Hookstead in Crowborough, as part of efforts to save £55 million due to budget pressures.

Max Hilton, 27, who uses the centre, says he is "speechless" and the idea is "depressing" and "inexcusable".

A council spokesperson says the authority is having to "carefully consider every possible option to address the significant shortfall" it faces next year.

Mr Hilton, who has autism, lives in Crowborough with his mother, Sam Matthews, and brother. He has been going to Hookstead twice a week for several years.

He says he enjoys the photography and cooking sessions.

They help him learn skills to try new things, and, he says he "loves spending some time with friends".

Mr Hilton is part of a campaign to save the day centre.

Ms Matthews says the centre is a lifeline for many, and her son's world would "close in" without it.

East Sussex County Council says it aims to save £124,000 by closing Hookstead, which is used by 42 people.

It is one of four day services facing closure by the authority.

Tom Martin, 23, also has autism spectrum disorder and attends Hookstead four days a week.

His father, Sid Martin, says he has already struggled to find a fifth day of care for him and is worried the family will have to consider residential care if the centre closes.

Sid Martin has already struggled to find other provision for his son Tom

Mr Martin says he believes if just two clients from Hookstead have to go into residential care, the savings made by closing the centre will become a greater cost to the council, which he says is "just really short sighted".

East Sussex County Council says it will continue to help everyone entitled to support.

A consultation on the proposals is open until the 28 November.

The authority is expected to make a decision in February.

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