THE popular Reivers Industries service for people with learning difficulties in Tweedbank is set to close next spring.
Scottish Borders Council will not renew its £490,401 annual contract with the Brothers of Charity when it ends in March.
The charity provides day services to 85 people at Tweedbank, Linglie Mill in Selkirk, and at Lawyers Brae in Galashiels.
A spokesperson for SBC said: “Over the past two years the council has been redesigning day services for adults with learning disabilities to offer people a broader range of day opportunities in each local community.
“All individuals currently using Brothers of Charity services are being reviewed and an individual personal plan put in place, which will be more able to meet their needs and aspirations.
“The process of the day opportunities review will ensure that each person with appropriate support will be able to participate in a broader range of activities in their own communities such as supported employment opportunities, training for work, involvement in leisure opportunities, learning opportunities or social activities and volunteering.”
They continued: “The council recognises that for some people, there will be the need for a building-based support service, and the newly commissioned service will provide for people with complex needs. Some of these people are currently travelling out of their local area to receive this service, as this service is not currently available in the central Borders area.
“It is important to emphasise that each person using the service and their family will be fully involved in the review and future planning of their day opportunities.”
When contacted, Brothers of Charity’s director of services, Liam Byrne directed TheSouthern to speak to the council.
A parent said: “The aim is for the care to be more person centred, but it’s to cut down on the transport costs of taxis taking people there.”
She was concerned that substitute activities might not give the people affected a positive, busy and stimulating enough environment.