Kidderminster postie Gareth Webster joins fight to save Ludlow Road centre

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A KIDDERMINSTER postman is doing rounds of a different kind as part of a campaign to save a town respite centre from potential closure.

Gareth Webster is taking a petition around Wyre Forest – in his own time - calling for Worcestershire County Council to shelve a proposal that could see Ludlow Road Short Breaks Unit closed.

The 29-year-old father-of-one said it was important to retain the “lifeline” and urged people to support the campaign launched by Wyre Forest Labour Group.


Earlier this month, he held a stall in Broadwaters and collected 60 signatures and will be in Offmore, outside the shops, on Sunday (January 28 ) between 9-11am. More petition events will be held in the coming weeks.

Worcestershire County Council has begun a consultation with users of the centre to discuss the future of the service, which gives parents of disabled children and young people respite from providing care.

One of the options being considered is axing the centre, for which the authority provides £618,000 per year to Worcestershire Health and Care Trust to run on its behalf.

Labour member Mr Webster, who has been a postman for 11 years, said: “Ludlow Road is a lifeline to families. People can never understand just how important it is until you have spoken to the parents of children who go there.

“I wanted to do my bit to help keep it open. It is the right thing to do. We should be caring for the most vulnerable in our society.

“It is not a massive centre – it is a converted house – but its value to users is priceless. We are planning to get as many people to sign the petition and support the campaign as possible.

“One thing this has shown is the community spirit this town has. We understand how important it is.”

Council bosses say they are looking to ensure services can be delivered better in the future. The consultation will last a minimum of six weeks. A final decision could be made as early as March.

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