CAMPAIGNERS took to the streets to protest at plans to axe a Hampshire facility that provides vital respite care.

Supporters of John Darling Mall are angry at proposals to close the building as part of a massive cost-cutting drive by Hampshire County Council.

Known as JDM, the 30-year-old centre in Selborne Drive, Boyatt Wood, provides care for severely disabled people.

Facilities include six warden-controlled flats and a hostel where users can stay if their carers are away or simply need a break from looking after them.

But the county council is aiming to save £96 million in the current financial year and says JDM needs major improvements costing about £5 million.

Plans to close the centre have sparked an angry backlash from supporters and users of the building.

They staged their protest at Eastleigh Market, manning a stall highlighting the importance of the service as well as taking to the streets to collect signatures for a protest petition.

Leaflets handed out to shoppers said: “JDM is a purpose-built unit that offers essential residential services to people with a physical disability.

“Alternative accommodation and respite facilities are either non-existent or already over-subscribed.”

The Rev Iain McFarlane, priest-in-charge at St Peter’s Church, Boyatt Wood, is leading the fight to save JDM.

He said: “Eastleigh residents are aware of John Darling Mall and treasure it because it’s part of the community, but the consultation carried out by the county council has been so poor that most of the people we’ve come across aren’t aware that it’s in danger of closing."

“We want the community to know what it means to the people who benefit from the facility.

Users include Paul Lucas, of Totton, who was left with spinal injuries after a road accident 40 years ago and is confined to a wheelchair.

He said: “I’m very particular when it comes to people looking after my personal needs and the staff at John Darling Mall are absolutely amazing.

"They really empathise with the people they look after.

“The county council has got reserves of something like £450 million and all they need to spend on JDM is £5 million."

“I’ve stayed there half a dozen times and I’d hate it not to be there as a safety net.”

Borough councillor Chris Thomas added: “It’s a much-needed facility for severely-disabled people. If it goes, there will be no respite facilities in Eastleigh at all.

“Councillors have unanimously backed my motion calling on the county council to reconsider JDM’s future and, if necessary, launch a new consultation exercise focusing on the users rather than the building.”

A county council spokesman said the centre needed major modernisation, including a new heating system.

He added: “It’s poorly insulated with partly-outdoor communal spaces that tend to be damp and cold in winter.More importantly, the physical environment is not suitable for people with profound and multiple disabilities.”

A decision is due to be made on November 25.