BUILDINGS currently used to provide services for people with learning disabilities are to be closed in a shake-up by Bradford Council.

Listonshiels Resource Centre, in Bierley, and Holme Wood’s Grove Resource Centre are earmarked for closure along with Ian Clough Hall in Baildon.

A consultation is currently underway with those who use the services, and their family members, the Council has said.

“Bradford Council is working with Homes Farm Trust (Hft) and other daytime opportunity providers to further develop and improve the Learning Disability services across the district,” said a spokesperson.

“As part of this approach there will be a review of the number and types of buildings the service is operating from.

“Those people who use these services, as well as family members are fully aware and involved in the process,

“Plans are in place to move services out of three sites to more appropriate settings which include Listonshiels Resource Centre, Bierley, Ian Clough Hall, Baildon and Grove Resource Centre Holme Wood.

“Once these sites have been closed, the properties will be transferred to the Council’s Asset Management Service, who will then ensure there are no other Council requirements for the facility before agreeing with stakeholders, the most appropriate use for the site prior to marketing for disposal.”

Last September, it was revealed Ian Clough Hall, which is home to Baildon library, would close on March 31 and be and demolished because of high maintenance costs

But earlier this month, Baildon Town Council confirmed the library will stay in the building after that date despite the closure of the ground floor, which has been used by Hft and community groups.

Glenn Stocks, Hft’s Regional Manager for Bradford said: “We have been working for some time with the local authority, and in close consultation with the people we support and their families, to move to community led Support.

“We believe this offers better opportunities for us to deliver more personalised, inclusive services that will enable people to take part in more meaningful activities and enjoy a greater level of independence.”

Hft says community led support “builds partnerships between people with learning disabilities, their families, support networks, service providers and the broader community to create a shared vision about people with learning disabilities can be supported and empowered”.

The charity says it is a different way of thinking about day opportunities and that “traditional day opportunities are more usually directed towards groups of people rather than individuals and can be isolating for people with learning disabilities”.

It says: “At Hft Bradford, community led support focuses less on centre-based and more on community-based supports.”

Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) who’s ward covers Bierley and Holme Wood, said the Grove Resource Centre is “past its sell by date”.

“They age over the time,” he said.

“You can’t expect them to have residents in dated buildings. You need the most modern buildings and equipment you can get. We’ve got to move with the times. We’ve got to think about the residents and their families and the staff - we’ve got to really work out the best facilities for them.”

Cllr Wainwright added: “To me, it’s about providing the best service they possibly can in the best sort of buildings they possibly can. I feel sure the best decisions will be made and they will be made in the interests of everybody concerned.”

Matt Edwards, Green Party campaigner for the Tong ward, urged Bradford Council to keep people informed of what is happening with the buildings. He said day centres are a “vital lifeline”.

“We can’t afford to see more council buildings left empty only to become targets for vandalism and arson like Holme View Care Home,” he said.