HAMPSHIRE County Council has strongly denied that a children’s respite centre under threat of closure has been earmarked for housing.

The authority could close Merrydale Children’s Home in Kings Worthy, and the Daily Echo was told that the authority “promoted” the site for housing to Winchester City Council.

However, the authority say no decisions have been made, and it is the adult services day centre part of the land which is earmarked for sale.

A spokesperson added if Merrydale stays open it would be unaffected by development of the adult services day centre.

A spokesperson for the county council said: “We can confirm that no decisions about Merrydale Children’s Residential Respite Unit have been made. Any decision that may be taken in the future will consider fully, the feedback collected through the consultation which is open until October 2. It is important to understand that Merrydale’s location is on land that includes an adult services day centre. The day centre accounts for a significant proportion of the overall site. While the Day Centre is anticipated to close sometime next year, it will only do so once the new adult services facility in Chesil Street, Winchester opens, and is fully operational. It is the adult services part of the site that is earmarked for sale, with the income generated to be reinvested in Adult Services provision.

“If, following the outcome of the consultation, it is decided that Merrydale Children’s Residential Respite Unit should not close, this provision would be unaffected by development of the adult services day centre.”