Wyre Forest Labour launched a campaign to save Ludlow Road Respite Centre in order to Support the parents of children who attend there. Labour started that campaign by launching a petition which attracted over 8,500 signatures. The petition was instrumental in the campaign to get public opinion onside, and so helped apply massive pressure on the council leading to this reprieve. The Centre offers Respite care to some of the most disabled children in the area so that their parents can recuperate. 

Commenting on the Tory County Council’s decision to offer Ludlow Road Respite Centre a reprieve until April 2019, leading Wyre Forest Labour campaign activists said:

“I’m so proud of everyone involved that helped us raise awareness from day one and since Labour started the campaign, including colleagues in other Labour constituencies across Worcestershire. It was amazing seeing people from from all over the constituency and beyond support it. I want to praise the children’s parents in particular, who stuck at it in all weathers, collecting signatures from the public. It undoubtedly played a pivotal role in helping to raise their concerns with the Council, leading to this decision.” – Ben Davies, Labour Constituency Secretary

“Let’s be clear, the Tory Council has just kicked the can down the road on this issue. They haven’t really changed their minds, they’re just hoping to take the sting out of it by praying people will forget. They’re no doubt already thinking about how they are going to spin this in 6 months time. Tories only know how to cut and privatise. They’ve run out of ideas because they’re so ideologically wedded to austerity. Well, I’ve got a message for the Tories at County Hall, it ain’t gonna work, campaigners and parents are not daft. We’re still here, and as determined as ever. The fight goes on and we’re already planning the next phase. Labour will continue to support the children and their parents so the Council will have to come up with a long term sustainable solution to keep Ludlow Road open, permanently.” – Stephen Brown, Labour Press Officer