Protest over threat to East End care centre

Family members whose loved one attend an East End care centre gathered in George Square to express fury at the council’s decision to demolish the facility to make way for a Commonwealth Games car park.

Carers whose loved ones attend the Accord Centre, in Dalmarnock, received a letter two weeks ago warning them that the centre was due to close yesterday.

The centre provides a lifeline service for people who suffer from illnesses like Down’s Syndrome or learning difficulties.

Their carers fear that the alternatives being offered are inadequate and will offer sub-standard care to their vulnerable relatives.

At a farewell party on Wednesday evening, one young woman was so traumatised by the impending move that she collapsed and had to be taken to hospital.

David McDonald, the SNP spokesman on social care, led the protests yesterday.

He said: “Glasgow City Council are tearing down the Accord Centre to put up a parking lot.

“The head of social work, Matt Kerr, refused to come and speak to these carers. He said he would speak to them in two weeks – but the Accord is set to close today. These carers need answers now.”

The campaigners want the council to promise them the use of a Commonwealth Games building, but so far this pledge has not been made.

Councillor McDonald added: “Where is the legacy of the Commonwealth Games for the East End?

“The council are chucking out the people who use the Accord Centre. Once again, it the most vulnerable people who are taking the harshest cuts.”

Many of the carers who went to yesterday’s protest were only able to make it due to the respite care offered by the Accord, which provides day care so full-time carers can hold down jobs or live a life aside from caring.

Grace Herrigan, 43, cares for her 25-year old son, who has Down’s Syndrome and autism. She said she was too “scared” to leave him in the community centre the council have suggested as an alternative to the Accord.

She said: “The way we have been treated is diabolical. The council have met us with total indifference.

“All we want is a building to use in place of the Accord Centre. It would be easy for the council to give us one.”

The council made a last-minute decision to keep people at the Accord Centre indefinitely after uncovering “financial difficulties” at the Bambury Centre, their preferred alternative.

Carers did not receive letters informing them of the change of plans.

A council spokesman said: “Service users will be able to remain in the Accord Centre while a solution is found, but it is still the intention to close the centre in the long term.”