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These are the reasons we oppose closure: A letter from concerned parents

9:42am Thursday 11th March 2010

Dear Editor, United opposition to closure of Budden Crescent and the reasons why: 1, Excellent care provided, ensuring peace of mind for families to enjoy the respite provided.

2, Social aspect of Budden Crescent as opposed to the relative isolation of adult placement. We have had experience of adult placement.

3, Distance from domicile to respite is not an argument for closure. The mileage is no greater now than it was 18 years ago when we gratefully accepted a place there for our daughter. Previous to this, we had to travel to Tredegar for respite.

4, It was our understanding that the property at Budden Crescent was owned by Monmouthshire County Coun-cil and it has only recently come to our attention that, in actual fact, Charter Housing have owned it and received revenue from it for the past 18 years.

We understand the property was purchased for £95,000 at that time. Monmouthshire County Council were very remiss in not buying it as costs have spiralled since then.

5, Despite the urgency expressed by social services at the initial meeting in Caldicot, no further information or meeting was forthcoming until January 19.

At this meeting we were told social workers would be contacting each family to put forward propositions for alternative respite provision and assess our need for respite. Six weeks have passed and we have had no contact from social services and the time for discussion in Cabinet is almost at an end.

Our understanding of past county council financial management includes: l The Icelandic Bank collapse fiasco.

l Funding for new county hall.

l In the top twenty councils paying over £1m in bonuses to executives.

l Generous expenses available to be claimed in successive years by councillors.

Given the fast approaching deadline, a rapid response would be appreciated.

Mr N C and Mrs Wendy Lewis, Woodland View, Wyesham, Monmouth

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