Fears for the future of the Branching Out Garden Centre based at Alderbrook in Chinley have been voiced by the local county councillor. 

Ruth George has hit out at the local authority, saying: “I and many others are shocked and sad that Derbyshire County Council have decided to close the Branching Out Garden Centre in Chinley whilst the council consults on the future of the Learning Disability Centres.  

“We have been told that Alderbrook will stay open - so why close the garden centre that has been a mainstay of the community as well as providing therapy, training, and work experience to lots of people with Learning Disability and autism.  

On social media, lots of people have been praising the garden centre, seen as an important resource, and raising their concerns.

Cllr George is urging anyone who cares about Alderbrook or Branching Out to respond to the consultation on the Learning Disability centres which is currently taking place.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council told the Chronicle: “The Branching Out Garden Centre at Alderbrook Day Centre is not closed.  

“However, currently we have no-one with learning disabilities who wishes to use this service so staff have been temporarily re-deployed to work within the day centre itself so that we can support more people to attend as we emerge from Covid restrictions. 

“We are currently consulting on proposals to transform day services and as part of these plans Alderbrook Day Centre will remain open. 

“No decisions will be made about the future of any of our other day services until we’d heard everyone’s views and taken them in to account. 

“Our proposals would put people with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic at the heart of services so they can lead the life they choose instead of trying to fit them in to services we have available. 

“We want everyone - regardless of ability - to be an active part of their community and leading safe, fulfilling lives with as much independence as possible with equal access to opportunities including social and leisure activities, housing, jobs, training, volunteering, health, and transport. 

“If anyone would like to have their say on our plans then we’d encourage them to fill in our online questionnaire here: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/learningdisabilityredesign. The consultation runs until 19 June.” 

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