Moray MP voices concern over disability centre’s closure
Moray MP Douglas Ross has said he is extremely concerned after learning that the Towerview Facility in Forres, which offers support for adults with learning disabilities is being closed as from next week, without prior warning.
Douglas was commenting after a constituent contacted him to say that “all her worse nightmares had been realised” after she received a letter from the council yesterday (Thursday) giving just four days-notice of the closure and informing her that as from Tuesday, her son would be taken by taxi to an alternative facility in Elgin. It has been said that staffing pressures have caused the problems.
Commenting Douglas said: “This is very disappointing news. I wrote to Moray Council just a fortnight ago voicing my concerns that facilities in Moray for adults with disabilities were under threat, asking specifically about Towerview and Keith Resource Centre. I was told that although there were challenges, they were being addressed and closure was not mentioned.
“But now we are told the facility is effectively closing down with no notice because service users have taken the decision to move the clients through to Elgin due to staffing issues. Not only is this a deeply disappointing decision, but the communication has been very poor with the way people who use this facility have been informed.
“Closure of Towerview targets our most vulnerable and I am seeking an urgent meeting with Moray Council to discuss what can be done as this is a hugely important facility. I will also be asking questions about the Keith Resource Centre and provision elsewhere in Moray.”
Commenting Conservative councillor Claire Feaver said: “This is extremely disappointing news. I have repeatedly asked for information regarding the status of care delivery at Towerview and have over the last year received very little information regarding its status in the portfolio of care provision in Moray. I would have expected to be told about this closure, as a ward councillor, instead of learning about it from an understandably upset constituent. The important thing is that Towerview is re-opened as soon as possible.
“It really does seem that Forres is getting a very poor deal. We are a growing town and yet our community facilities are under continual threat of closure for one reason or another. My postbag is full of comments from local people about this and I will continue to do what I can to protect our services.”