I HOPE Simon Letts and the Labour council had a good Christmas and new year.

I wonder if they gave a thought about the carers and disabled who used Kentish Road respite centre at all. They were left with no respite at all.

The users who keep asking for Kentish Road, and the carers in tears trying to explain, and the users not understanding why they can't see their friends and go where they loved and felt safe.

We as parents (90% single mothers) know what is best for our loved ones, not some social worker who has met them for five minutes and thinks they can decide their future.

Why does the council want the Kentish Road site so much? The Labour councillors confirmed that there was no real financial gain to be had and would have closed it even if they broke even. Therefore Kentish Road closed for no financial gain – why would they do such a cruel thing?

The way they have treated the disabled of Southampton is inhuman and disgraceful. I'm sorry but the disabled aren't going to go away and it's about time they had a voice. We as parents have fought for everything they are entitled to since they were born and what should be theirs by right. We have had obstacle after obstacle put in our way.

Do they not realise the incredible stress we are under? The disabled are humans with feelings, unlike the council who are anti-disabled with no feelings; who could shut such a vital service? They can save an elm trees but shut a much-needed service.

Shame on them.

Laura Smyth

Shirley