Parents are becoming increasingly "desperate" after suffering a "heartbreaking setback" in their fight to keep a children’s centre open in Whiston.

During a Knowsley Council meeting last night in Huyton, a councillor responded to a question from Whiston representative, Terry Byron who requested an update about Moving Senses.

Moving Senses operates from a Knowsley Council-owned building in Whiston where they provide respite care for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The service supports 50 children and is described as a ‘lifeline’ to parents and families across Merseyside.

Moving Senses had a deal with Knowsley Council to use the Southmead Children’s Centre as their base of operations and they have been there for the last five years.

The support organisation provides short stays for vulnerable children with complex needs, but they are also essential to parents struggling under the pressure of immense responsibility.

However, earlier this month, the local authority informed Moving Senses its temporary license agreement would be terminated and it had until August 31 to vacate. The prospect of losing this centre has caused huge distress to parents.

Cllr David Lonergan responded to the member question about Moving Senses after being directed to do so by council leader, Graham Morgan. Cllr Lonergan said: “[Moving Senses] offer is much valued by those who use their services and this council recognises this.

“Unfortunately, Southmead Community Centre is a building which has reached the end of its useful life. The council has always been open and transparent with the charity that the centre could not be a long-term home for them.

“In 2023 the charity were reminded that their occupation was temporary and that they would need to vacate the building by 31st August 2024.”

The council has now moved all of its services out of the centre after commissioning a building conditions survey which was undertaken in May 2024. The local authority said the report advised Southmead Community Centre required £1.5m of investment if it were to remain habitable for the next 3-5 years and that this amount excluded any quote for improvements to the building.

Cllr Lonergan added: “The council simply does not have this level of investment available and has determined that there is no option but to close the building in order to ensure the safeguarding of all individuals using it.”

The statement in the council chamber was heard by a number of families who are directly impacted by the possibility of Moving Senses closing down. The update from the local authority was met with gasps of disappointment and despair as parents struggle to understand why a vital service for SEND children is being forced to close down.

Responding to the council’s update, Director of Moving Senses, Carmen Escalante-Callejo said: “This represents a heartbreaking setback for parents who are becoming increasingly desperate.

“Despite what the council says, we will continue the fight to keep Moving Senses open and continue to provide vital care for families in Knowsley and beyond.”