Campaigners fighting to keep the Kemback Adult Resource Centre open claimed to come one step closer to victory.
Thompsons Solicitors, acting on behalf of the Kemback Street Action Group, has now received the signed minute of undertaking from Dundee City Council.
According to the law firm, the document means failure to carry out the new consultation on the centre’s future in line with the council’s public sector equality duty would result in contempt of court.
Thompsons said the council is now bound by law to adhere to the obligations outlined in the undertaking. The campaigners had launched a judicial review of the ruling to close the centre for adults with additional support needs.
The council agreed at a committee last month to carry out a fresh consultation, the results of which it says will be shared with service users and their families.
Sarah Smith from Thompsons said: “The signed minute of undertaking is an incredibly strong weapon for the campaigners fighting the closure of the Kemback Street Centre.
“The council has previously shown complete disregard for its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and this will ensure that if they try to dodge their obligations again we can bring the full weight of contempt of court proceedings down on them, as well as reopening the judicial review proceedings.”
Kemback Street Action Group chairman George Stewart said: “Council officials’ attitudes in recent weeks have been staggering to say the least. Not only have they shown a total lack of compassion for the people who rely on the centre, they have also acted as if they believe themselves to be above the law.
“This latest development shows they are absolutely not above the law and that they are obliged to carry out the right and proper procedures.”
Labour MSP Jenny Marra has been campaigning alongside the action group.
She said: “It is disgraceful that it has taken legal action to ensure that Dundee City Council takes its responsibilities seriously. Its handling of the Kemback Street Centre closure has deteriorated into a complete shambles.”
A spokesman for the council said: “When the consultation process is concluded, findings will be brought back to a future committee, as well as being shared directly with service users and their carers.”