A RESPITE centre earmarked for closure next month has been given a partial reprieve after protests from carers and clients who threw fake money over city councillors.

But the axe still hangs over Kentish Road respite centre in Shirley.

During a highly charged full council meeting yesterday, councillors agreed to review plans to shut the centre – used by those with disabilities and illnesses to give their carers and family members a break – by October 31.

Supporters of the centre raised concerns about the impact the loss of the centre would have on its users and questioned the accuracy of council claims that its closure would save the city £300,000 a year.

However, councillors stop-ped short of saving the centre.

Despite requests from the chamber to allow the centre’s fate to be decided by the full council, the meeting was told the crucial vote would be made in cabinet.

It hopes to make that decision next month.

The outcome was met with disappointment by Amanda Guest and Lisa Stead, who gathered more than 2,000 signatures on a petition which triggered the debate at full council.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Guest, whose daughter Victoria regularly attends Kentish Road, said: “We were hoping for a free vote today on the issue. Our petition triggered the debate but no vote took place.

“We have been campaigning for months, hoping for an outcome so I am a bit disappointed with today.

“We will continue to put pressure on the council to keep the site open.

“We have proof that the council has spent more on other sites since 2015.

“Staff want to come back and there is a demand for Kentish Road. The figures they are offering do not stack up.”

Both Mrs Guest and Mrs Stead protested with placards outside the Civic Centre prior to the meeting.

The pair were then given the chance to speak to councillors at the debate.

Their presentation ended with a trio of Kentish Road clients pouring fake money over Labour’s cabinet, accompanied by the question “Are we worth it?”.

Councillors then entered into an emotional debate over the centre’s future – in which cabinet member for housing and adult care, councillor Warwick Payne, was told to resign.

Conservative leader, councillor Jeremy Moulton, said Labour’s handling of the situation was a “disgrace”.

He also urged civic chiefs to reassess the business case for the centre.

Council leader, Simon Letts, conceded that reviewing the business case was valid and until that review had taken place the centre should remain open.

Since September 4 the centre has been open only at weekends due to staff shortages. Cllr Letts said the council would only reintroduce weekday openings if it could do so safely.