A Buckinghamshire Council cabinet member is facing calls to resign over the handling of the closure of a day centre for disabled adults.

Cllr Cole Caesar has urged Cllr Isobel Darby, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, along with two senior council officers, to step down following criticism of how the decision to close Burnham Short Breaks Centre was handled.

The centre, which provides support for disabled adults, is set to close following the completion of the consultation and a subsequent council decision, a move that has sparked strong opposition from service users and their families.

In a letter addressed to Cllr Darby and two senior officers, Cllr Caesar said he was “disappointed and frustrated” by the way the situation had been handled.

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But Cllr Darby said the authority did not recognise the description of the events in the letter, and remains committed to ensuring the best interests of its residents and service users.

Cllr Caesar said: “The parents, councillors, and MP have all supported a professional business plan prepared by a top consultancy firm for the potential takeover of this asset from Buckinghamshire Council.

“Despite this clear support, the decision has been made to close one of the best-maintained and highly regarded centres, a decision that continues to baffle me. I am left wondering what justification exists for this action.”

Cllr Caesar said that although the business proposal was delivered within six weeks of the council’s decision, no feedback had been provided. He claimed that despite legal follow-ups, the council had “failed to respond adequately”.

He added: “It has come to my attention that officers have been speaking to service users in a way that many—including myself—see as trying to pressure them to agree to move to Seeley’s House in Beaconsfield.

“This is completely inappropriate, especially since the council has still not given any feedback on the business proposal that was submitted.

“Furthermore, parents and service users report feeling depressed, stressed, and unsupported throughout what has been described as a “consultation” process.

“Let me be clear: this process has been neither supportive nor professional, and it shows a lack of care and respect for those who rely on these vital services.

“Cllr Isobel Darby, you are clearly out of your depth, and quite frankly, none of you have ever experienced what these parents go through. I would not wish to be in their shoes, enduring the stress and anxiety that this process has caused—all while seeing a complete lack of passion and care from the council.”

Cllr Caesar concluded his letter by calling on the council to respond to the business plan and urged the two senior officers and Cllr Darby to resign.

In response Cllr Darby said: “We are aware of correspondence circulated earlier this week by one of the councillors regarding Burnham Short Break Centre.

“We remain committed to making difficult decisions in a transparent and responsible manner, ensuring that the best interests of our residents and service users are at the heart of everything we do.”