Staff At Day Centre Suspended After Abuse Allegations

Five members of staff have been suspended from their jobs at an adult day centre in Liskeard amid allegations of abuse.

The claims have been made by people who attend Morley Tamblyn Lodge, Liskeard.

Cornwall County Council run the day centre for adults with learning difficulties.

Council bosses said they had launched their own investigation. The police have not been informed.

It is not known if the allegations relate to physical or verbal abuse or both.

Last night, council chiefs refused to reveal how many allegations had been made, by whom or when the complaints reached them.

A spokesman for the council said: “Following allegations of abusive practices involving service users at Morley Tamblyn Lodge, an investigation is currently being carried out by the Department of Adult Social Care.

“In accordance with agreed Adult Protection procedures some members of staff have been suspended without prejudice to enable the investigation to be carried out.

“Measures have been put in place to ensure the welfare of service users.

“Officers from the Department are working with staff from Morley Tamblyn Lodge, service users and their families and carers to keep disruption to a minimum during this period.”

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said the force was unaware of the abuse allegations.

Around 40 people use the day centre with between 15 and 20 members of staff to look after them.

The Morley Tamblin Centre is on the edge of Liskeard in a quiet, wooded spot next to the Trevellis House which is a hospital caring for geriatric patients. The hospital was locked and there was no response there yesterday evening.