PEOPLE with severe learning difficulties face an uncertain future if the proposal to close the Carlton Road day centre in Acton goes ahead.

As part of a wide-ranging series of cuts to services, the council held a meeting last Friday to discuss potential closure of the centre, which caters for 32 adults with learning difficulties.

Cllr Andrew Steed is concerned about the effect that closing the centre would have and is critical of the short notice given before the meeting, which was attended by only 25 people.

He said: “Although this is called a proposal and the presentation talks of consultation, no-one at the meeting was under any illusion as to what this means for the people who use the centre, their relations or carers.”

He said many of the people who used the centre had been doing so for years and had built good relationships with staff.

All the staff have been told their jobs could be at risk.

The site of the centre has been listed for sale for some time and, on top of money from the sale, the council save £180,000.

The council is being forced to reduce its budget by £96m by 2019 and says this has forced its hand on closures to services.

A spokesperson said: “If the proposal goes ahead, existing customers will have the flexibility to buy other support with their own personal budgets.

“We will continue to work with groups from the voluntary sector to help them to develop alternative services and support in the local community.”

No decision has yet been made and the council welcome feedback, which should be sent to Cheryl Batt at battc@ealing.gov.uk.