PARENTS OF disabled children have won their battle to save a much-valued respite centre from the axe.
A fight was launched for the Eden Park residential unit in Cupar after Fife Council announced last year that it would be closed to save money.
However, the local authority has written to users of the centre, which cares for children up to the age of 18, telling them the proposal has been shelved.
Eden Park is a lifeline for parents and carers as it offers weekend and week-long stays for children who require extra care, giving them much-needed respite.
It was to be replaced by a programme of home-based care.
Organisers of a petition against the closure, Peter and Kirsty Jackson, of Cupar, whose son is autistic, thanked those who supported the campaign.
They had branded the proposal a disgrace and an insult to the staff and families who use the centre.
Cupar councillor Karen Marjoram said: “It’s great to hear it is being retained for the foreseeable future.
“This will be a comfort to the parents.”
Local community councillor Pete Cura, who had backed the campaign, was delighted by the reprieve.
He said: “Everyone was totally against the proposal to close Eden Park.
“It would have affected the families who use it terribly.”
Dougie Dunlop, the council’s head of children and families and criminal justice, confirmed that the service would remain available.
He said: “Currently we have no plans to close Eden Park at any point, although we can’t guarantee any individual service arrangement will be in place for ever.
“We want to safeguard children’s services so that, despite decreasing budgets, those in most need across Fife will always have appropriate support in the future.
“What is clear is that, however services and support are provided in the future, there will always be a need for some very specialist care facilities.”
Social work spokeswoman Councillor Judy Hamilton said: “This will be welcome news for parents and families who use Eden Park.
“However, it is also important that we give consideration to the challenges which face Fife and the long-term sustainability of services for all children.”
cpeebles@thecourier.co.uk