Parents fight to save 'lifeline' adventure centre

Parents have said they are "devastated" a play centre is under threat of closure.

The Sycamore Adventure Centre in Upper Gornal which cost £50,000 to run in the last financial year is under review by Dudley Council.

The centre is a registered charity which offers toddler stay and play, go-karts, family play and inclusive play for children with disabilities. It is donation only with a suggested donation of £2 in the week and £4 in holidays.

Patrick Harley, the Conservative council leader, said on Politics Midlands he was hopeful the centre can be saved.

Mum-of-three Fay said the centre was a "lifeline" and added she was "devastated" by the news of the review.

"It's a great place for comfort and understanding when it comes to children with special needs.

"If you go to a regular activity centre sometimes you feel a bit judged," she said.

Dudley council has a budget shortfall of £35m and said it will have to make "tough decisions".

The council commissioned an external review, costing £10,000, into the Sycamore Centre and Astley Burf Outdoor Activity Centre in Worcestershire.

Becky, also a mum-of-three, said her family would be lost without the centre.

She said: "It was really upsetting for us all because we use the centre so often and there's nowhere else for us to go.

"My son is an absconder and at school he's on a wrist to wrist at all times. Here, we know he is safe."

Her son Kayden, 11, said: "I want to say to the council, please don't shut this place down. It is amazing for me and my brothers."

Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, said the centre was "invaluable" for the community.

"It's a drop in the ocean the amount of money that's being spent here and you can't put a value on the services it provides," she said.

Donna Flurry-Haddock, chair of the Sycamore Adventure Charity, added: "At this moment we can't plan ahead. We don't know where we stand.

"We're in a catch 22 situation."

Speaking on Politics Midlands, the council leader said: "I'm hopeful that we can make the right decisions to save places like the Sycamore Centre.

"I will do everything I can to make sure that they know for sure by mid January."

He said he was "confident" the council can deliver a balanced budget.