MEMBERS and staff of Whittle Pike day care centre took to the streets in protest at plans to shut it down.

They told social services bosses they were "sick to death" of fighting for their rights and human dignity.

Around 50 demonstrators lobbied councillors on the steps of Bury Town Hall and left them in no doubt of their message.

The centre, in Hazel Street, Ramsbottom caters for people with learning disabilities.

Bosses have targeted the centre for closure as part of a big shake-up of day care services, using money raised from selling the building to help fund Outreach work.

But their arguments did not go down well with campaigners who attended Tuesday's (Sep 16) social services committee.

Mr Anthony Phythian of Ribbleton Close, Bury, whose daughter Suzanne (29) has attended the centre for eleven years, said: "Anybody who votes for this doesn't get my vote."

His views were echoed by Mrs Olive Woolfendale of Arley Avenue, Bury. Her son Stephen Jackson (39) has attends Whittle Pike, while her other son Paul (32) goes to the Outreach centre at Seedfield. She spoke passionately of the need for people using Outreach to be able to return to the "mother house".

"They are people entitled to a life and dignity," said Mrs Woolfendale.

"Whittle Pike is purpose built, but this is the third time it's been threatened."

To huge applause, she said: "We are sick to death of this. We've had enough fighting for their rights."

Committee chairman John Costello assured them that Whittle Pike would not be closed to save money.

He promised them that the consultation period for everyone to make their case would be genuine, and extended it until October 31.

Mr David Ashworth, director of social services, said demand for the service was increasing yet there was no extra money.

The alternative would be to increase charges or ration the number of days people could attend, options he described as unpalatable.

Labour councillor Sue Arnall remembered fights to save Whittle Pike both 20 years ago and five years ago.

"We need a lot more information before we take any decisions," she said. "Whittle Pike has to stay open until we can answer questions about where Outreach would be, how much we would pay in rent, and whether it's an improvement in service."

Afterwards, Mr Phythian said: "Our next step is to keep lobbying the local MP David Chaytor and consider the proposals we received.

"We have already established a committee fighting to keep the centre open and will be meeting frequently to come up with ideas on how to save the centre."

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