DESPITE vigorous campaigning in South Wilts against the closure of Hillcote Respite Care Home for learning-disabled children and young people, the decision has been taken by the Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group to close it at the end of June.

We at South Wilts Mencap have been assured that this is not a cost cutting exercise and that the money saved by the closure will be spent on providing an alternative service to include all of Wiltshire with the exception of Swindon.

We shall need to monitor carefully whether this proposed new service can, in any way, make up for the loss of Hillcote. Meanwhile we must try to ensure the new service is carried out as planned and that it will not be restricted by any future cuts.

Susan Strong, Trustee of South Wilts Mencap