THE closure of a Harpenden respite centre providing vital breaks for severely disabled children looks all but certain to go ahead despite the worries of parents.

The county council wants to close the Stairways Centre, run by Mencap in Douglas Road, where children visit for about two days a month, and build a new facility in Hemel Hempstead to replace it.

Parents who told the Review how their children would lose cherished relationships with staff were hoping a committee meeting yesterday would grant a reprieve.

But councillors declined to change the plan, which is likely to be rubber-stamped when the cabinet meets on February 15.

Nick Latham of Marshalswick, whose son Freddie visits Stairways regularly, told the Review before the meeting: "There is such a strength of feeling among all the parents.

“All respite is a lifeline for us. It's not just about giving the parents a break, it's about giving the young people a new experience and allowing them to go somewhere they can enjoy away from home.”

Council spokeswoman Nuala Milbourn said on Thursday: "We appreciate it may be disruptive for some children, particularly if they have built up relationships with staff over some time, and it may mean longer journeys.

"But we are hoping the new facilities will be much better, with more for children to do and more age-appropriate care.

"We hope there will be extra capacity, allowing for more frequent respite breaks."