Plans to close Chadderton day care for adults with learning disabilities paused

Plans to shut down Chadderton Hall Park Day Care for adults with learning disabilities have been put on hold after families and local MP Jim McMahon raised the alarm. The service, which has been running for decades, was set to close as part of Oldham Council's £8 million budget cuts aimed at tackling a £20 million deficit.

Families described the centre as 'irreplaceable', with Amanda Shelley saying it perfectly meets her brother Mike Hilton's needs after he's attended five days a week for over 20 years. The council's revised budget now pauses the closure to allow 'meaningful conversations' about the service's future.

The budget changes also include £100,000 extra for youth services to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious youth violence, plus £250,000 for a new Rapid Response Street Scene Team to crack down on fly-tipping. However, the Mahdlo youth charity still faces losing £100,000 in council funding.

Council leader Arooj Shah said the pause shows they're 'listening and acting' while balancing financial security with community needs. The decision gives families breathing room to work with the council on finding a sustainable future for the service that many say is vital for some of Oldham's most vulnerable residents.