"Don't Close St. Johns Secure Children's Home" says Lib Dem Spokesman

3.01.37pm GMT Thu 16th Nov 2006

Cllr. John Yates

Cllr. John Yates, Liberal Democrat County Council Spokesman for Education and Children's Services has called upon the Conservative County Council not to close St. John's Secure Children's Home at Tiffield.

The County Council Cabinet voted to close the secure home if no other partner to run it is found by December 20th. 2006.

Cllr Yates says: "This is a short sighted move. There are very few establishments of this kind left throughout the country, and as local authorities close the ones they have, they are looking for the remaining ones to send their problem children to. St. John's may be losing money now, but if the County have faith in the excellent services and facilities that are available there, in the longer term they will attract use from other local authorities."

"The Liberal Democrats favour working with a partner to run the unit, and we would seek a partner and keep the unit open."