Councillors have slammed the decision to close a centre for disabled children.

Nascot Lawn Respite Centre, in Langley Road, is set to close on October 31 due to a lack of funds.

The facility provides respite for the families of disabled children who require round-the-clock care.

READ MORE: Families 'devastated' by impending closure of Watford disabled children care centre

The Herts Valley Clinical Commission Group (CCG) have been met with criticism following the announcement on Friday.

The decision to close the centre has been met with criticism after being announced on Friday.

Labour councillor for children’s services Nigel Bell said: “The CCG must be put under pressure to justify this decision and it is up to the conservative controlled County Council to chase them on this decision which will be devastating for so many of our most vulnerable children.”

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: ““Respite care centres like this are invaluable to families with disabled children. It’s clear from the parents who have contacted my office that withdrawing the service would have a significant negative impact.

“I’ve written to the CCG demanding assurances that all possible options have been looked at, and I have also asked for details of the alternative provision that will be provided.

“The CCG’s decision to withdraw funding from Nascot Lawn is a very unwelcome backward step.”

Senior communications and campaigns officer for Children’s Services in Hertfordshire County Council Gemma McKelvey said: “We have been working with providers across the county to ensure the best provision of Short Breaks services for children across Hertfordshire.

“We are disappointed that Herts Valleys CCG has since decided to cease their funding contribution to short breaks services and we will be working closely with partners, staff and parents to minimise the impact of this decision.

“Where requested, HCC will carry out an assessment of children currently attending Nascot Lawn to understand whether new or additional social care support is required. In the short term we will recruit additional staff to carry out these assessments.”

Cllr for Nascot ward Mark Watkin said: “This news has come as a complete shock. The County Council had been in discussions just this April with the CCG regarding the future delivery of these services, but it appears the CCG have now simply walked away.

“There has been no consultation and no attempt to find a way forward, they have simply decided to pull the plug on what has been a vital service for the families who depend on it.

“I am urging the CCG to think again, reconvene meetings with Hertfordshire County Council at the earliest possible opportunity and work together to find a solution.”

An online petition has been started to save the centre has been met with overwhelming support. You can sign the petition here.