HYNDBURN’S mayor has been left red faced after wrongly announcing a disabled children’s care centre had been saved from cuts.

Parents who rely on overnight respite care at Hargreaves House, Oswaldtwistle, were overjoyed with the announcement at Hyndburn’s full council meeting.

However, the Thwaites Road centre is still in the early stages of Lancashire County Council proposals which could see it close.

Mayor of Hyndburn Malcolm Pritchard had announced news ‘from county hall’ that the centre was saved, and a better facility would even be built.

He has since admitted failing to check with either the relevant department head or cabinet member.

However, he said he stood by information given to him in a discussion at county hall.

The issue was raised by Coun Clare Pritchard’s request for Hyndburn Council to unanimously oppose the centre’s closure.

Mayor Malcolm Pritchard replied: “I am pleased to say this can be withdrawn.

"I have spoken with LCC and it is not closing. What they are planning is knocking it down and making a new purpose-built facilty.”

Oswaldtwistle woman Jacqui Singleton, who cares for her learning disabled granddaughter, was in the public gallery with other cheering parents.

She said that their delight has quickly turned to disappointment.

At the meeting, Coun Clare Pritchard said: “I have been working on this for weeks and haven’t heard anything from LCC.

“We sent them an email and nothing. I would like to have this reassurance in writing.”

The mayor said he would write to LCC cabinet member for children and schools, Coun Susie Charles.

However, Coun Charles told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I can’t really understand where the mayor has got this from.

"We are assessing eight centres and it is too early to say which will close."

Louise Taylor, director for specialist and direct delivery services, said: "We are in the early stages of modernising our overnight break services.”