MEMBERS of a threatened day care centre are to use people power to keep it open.

Ramsbottom's Whittle Pike centre is earmarked for closure as part of a social shake-up of day care services.

Centre members and staff are asking concerned locals from the borough to help them make the campaign against closure a success.

Whittle Pike will be lobbying councillors on Tuesday when the proposals go before committee.

A demonstration will be held outside the town hall at 6pm and parents and members are appealing for people to support their cause.

Mr Jeffrey Atherton, chair of the centre members committee, said: "People power means that we, the community, have a say and make the decisions as to what we want.

"We do this through our local councillors who are elected to vote - on our decisions.

"If they don't follow the rules, then we simply don't vote for them next time round."

He added: "If you are a believer in basic human rights and freedom of choice, then please join us."

Local councillor Sheila Barnes said: "The council have a duty to provide special needs services.

"We will have to be convinced that any changes in the service will be similar or better than those we have already. At the moment we are not convinced, and will be asking for revised plans to be drawn up."

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