A CAMPAIGN group has been fighting to save The Big House, in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, which provided short-term respite care for families of young people with very challenging behaviour and learning difficulties.
The County Council wanted to close it, claiming it would cost £1 million to repair. The alternatives suggested were in the families’ opinion, unsuitable for very mentally disabled children, or were many miles away.
On 8 September the County Council voted that a new, purpose-built facility should be built on the site of The Big House, with the house and much of its land being sold to private developers, but remaining open while the new facility is built.
The best outcome would have been to keep the house open with money spent on its renovation, but the families see this as a victory. It will mean less distress for the children, and peace of mind for parents, who will be able to use this facility for years to come.
This campaign showed that battles can be won against the cuts. Users of The Big House did not create this huge deficit! Make the bankers and the rich pay instead!
