PARENTS fighting to save a Southampton respite centre from the axe may go to court to continue the battle.

Kentish Road respite centre in Shirley has been earmarked for closure by Southampton City Council (SCC) in order to save £300,000 a year.

Now two parents, Lisa Stead and Amanda Guest, who are leading a campaign to save the centre from the chop, say they could take legal action as the council is being “ignorant” following a speech yesterday.

Lisa, whose 21-year-old son has learning difficulties, said: “This is the fifth time I have addressed the council on this issue, yet they are being so short-sighted.

“The closure has caused us so much grief that it’s time to take it a step further.

“Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the council has a duty of care and cannot change its packages until our circumstances have changed, but they haven’t because they cannot fill my son’s care provision.

“We intend to go the whole way and take it to court to fight for our kids and the younger kids who have similar disabilities.”

The duo have already started a petition to save the facility, which has reached more than 2,000 signatures.

The petition will remain open until August 21.

Amanda, whose daughter Victoria suffers from learning difficulties, said: “Where is the council’s duty of care?

“The alternatives that are being suggested are simply outrageous.

“We will push forward with legal action as an option if the council continues to be ignorant.”

Denise Wyatt, the leader of Southampton Independents, said: “The Labour council says it doesn’t have the money to keep the centre open.

“But it is receiving millions from the government for social care.”

However, Councillor Warwick Payne, portfolio holder for adult social care, revealed that the council had been approached by a charity to run the facilities.

He said legal action would not be possible because there was no basis on which the action could be taken.

A statement from the city council confirmed the closure would go ahead because their commitment had been met.

It added: “The council gave a commitment that six months’ notice of its closure would be given and suitable alternatives for accommodation have been offered.”