The future of the Markhouse Centre in Walthamstow remains uncertain, with it currently being used as a temporary base for ServiceStore, the council’s property maintenance service, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter
Waltham Forest Council is currently reviewing its options for the site of a former centre for adults with special needs.
Top Labour councillors voted to shut the “rundown” Markhouse Centre last June, displacing more than 50 adults.
The future of the centre remains uncertain, and it is currently being used as a temporary base for ServiceStore, the council’s property maintenance company.
“Opportunities for the site’s permanent use are being reviewed, and an update will be presented to cabinet later this year,” a town hall spokesperson said.
The “opportunities” being reviewed are currently under wraps.
The closure caused significant consternation among the service users’ families, with campaigners branding it “disgraceful” and “nothing short of a betrayal”.
According to a council report written in March, all 52 adults have since been relocated and 48 of those say they are happy with their new circumstances. There had been “difficulties” organising interviews with the remaining four, the report says, but officers are “actively pursuing” an update.
“Feedback indicates that they have settled well and are engaging positively with their new provision,” the spokesperson added.
“We continue to ensure that ongoing support is available and that individuals can raise any new or emerging issues.”
The majority of service users – a total of 13 – were relocated to Trinity, a home-care provider with bases across London.
Ten each were then sent to Acorn, in Walthamstow, and Eastway, which covers Waltham Forest and Havering.
The former Labour administration said the ageing 1980s building was in poor condition and required up to £1.2 million in repairs, hence why it was no longer suitable.
Read again: Carers slam council’s ‘shambolic’ handling of disabled adults centre closure
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