THE care of people with learning disabilities across Slough is under review following the controversial decision to close the Elliman Day Centre.

The centre in Pursers Court will close on January 1 and a report presented to Slough Borough Council’s cabinet members on Monday outlined what plans there were for the 57 people who have been using it.

The report says that 27 of them will have their activities provided by the council’s other two day centres the Phoenix and the Priors, or from the Britwell Centre in Long Furlong Drive.

But it is hoped others can develop their activities within the community, although the report says: “No service user will leave a day centre without a review and an asset based support plan that will meet their needs.”

Director of adult learning disabilities Simon Broad told cabinet members: “We are seeing a lot of young people who do not want a day centre. This is about getting people over 18 out into the community, taking responsibility.”

The Britwell hub is being developed to open three days a week and it is hoped users of the learning disability service will be able to manage the allotment if the idea appeals to them.

There are plans for activity co-ordinators to lead groups of service users in healthy walks round the borough’s parks and hopefully for them to take responsibility for maintaining some of those parks.

The council’s community health team is also exploring the development of a community cafe that can be run by people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

While A private race car simulation company in Slough’s Business Park has offered to give taster sessions at a subsidised rate. Tailored Courses are also being developed in cooking on a budget, social media and life skills for people with learning difficulties.

Fears that people who used the Elliman centre might miss seeing their friends are also addressed in the report which says: “Slough Learning Disability community is a small community. Service users see friends that they made at the day centre at activities that are within the community. They have also had the opportunity to make new friends.”