SEVERELY disabled children are finally to receive some urgently needed help following a lengthy campaign by parents.

A cash boost of almost £33,000 will be spent by Morecambe Bay Health Authority over the next three years on respite care services for children at Morecambe's Alexandra House.

This follows an announcement by Lancashire Social Services that the centre which looks after mentally and physically disabled children to give parents a break is set to receive an extra £22,000.

Campaigner Malcolm Stockwell who has been battling for improved respite care services in the area said he was delighted by the news.

He added: "Many of the parents are very pleased with this result. It should always have been a priority but at least something has been done now.

"Respite care is an essential part of surviving when looking after these children - you can't manage without it.

"Hopefully this means more children will be able to use the centre for longer periods so parents will get some relief."

A registered sick children's nurse is set to be employed at the centre to help deal with some of the children with severe illnesses and disabilities.

And the money from Lancashire Social Services will help pay for 52 extra staff hours at Alexandra House. Chairman of Lancashire Social Services Committee Joan Humble said: "Last summer I had some letters from parents who use Alexandra House who, while praising the service, said they wanted more of it.

"It's quite right for these parents to campaign on behalf of their children and I'm pleased we have been able to make this money available to improve their lives."

A meeting has now been arranged between parents of children at Alexandra House and the health authority to discuss what further improvements they would like to see.

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