Care Services To Move To Hub

Children’s social care teams in Preston are to be relocated to the Red Rose Hub to improve communication and save cash. The decision was taken by County Coun Marcus Johnstone, who said that centralising staff will lead to a cash saving which can be channelled towards front line services. The decision comes two months after Coun Johnstone ditched a consultation to close the Maplewood House respite unit in Bamber Bridge – a front line service for severely disabled children and their families.

He said: “By spending money smarter we can make sure that the most vulnerable in our society are cared for better. This will not enough to solve my problems and I will be looking at other initiative like this.”

Under the latest plans the Children’s Social Care Headquarters staff will move to the Hub from the county council’s East Cliff offices.

The North West Fostering and Fostering Focus Teams will move from their offices in Navigation Way in Preston. The Children Looked After Team will also work out of the Hub. The North West Lancashire Adoption and Family Finding Team, based at the Navigation Way Area Office will be moved to offices in Greenbank Street.