Closing vulnerable adults' hub 'will destroy them'

More than 700 people have signed a petition calling for a hub that coaches people with learning disabilities to be saved from closure.

The Industrial Hub in Peterborough, which is part of City College's Day Opportunities programme, offers work experience and training.

Families fear the service will shut in June. Vivienne Haresign said the closure would "destroy" her 58-year-old brother Tony Sanders.

Peterborough City Council said those affected "will be supported to source alternative opportunities should they need to".

"I just can't understand why the council have picked on them," said Ms Haresign.

Julie Cyngier's 41-year-old son Richard has been working at the hub for the past seven years.

She said he had been "crying every day" since hearing it could close.

"He attends four days a week. They do crafts, make bird tables [and] cheese boards to be sold for a small amount of money. It's a unique place," she said.

"I have never seen him so upset, ever. He can't imagine not being part of it."

Hayley Janceski is Richard's sister and one of the campaigners calling for the hub to remain open.

She said users and their families were "outraged" at the decision.

Ms Janceski said: "We know there is no engaging service like this in the city... They [will lose] their community and then will start having changes in their behaviour.

"The impact is going to be far-reaching."

Stephen Taylor, executive director for adult services at Peterborough City Council, said: "A review with City College Peterborough's dedicated and skilled staff is now taking place to look at the Day Opportunities to see if it meets the needs of users, and if a different, more cost-effective model could be used that better reflects the modern world and our changing city."

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