HARD pressed parents who have spent years caring for their children with special needs are facing increased woe as vital services are withdrawn because of budget cuts, claims an Andover father.

Michael Perkins, from Wistaria Close, Andover, says things are about to come to a head with the likely end of a special summer school for those with special needs moving on to post-19 education.

Such cuts leave the families isolated and under stress and mean those who would benefit most - the young people - lose ground as they miss out on education.

Now Mr Perkins has launched a petition which has the support of MP Sir George Young.

"The summer school ran at the college in 2004 but last summer parents were told that it would be closing because of the refurbishment of the college," said Mr Perkins.

"We were willing to accept that and some provision was made elsewhere but really the truth was they never had the funding.

"It is all part of cuts affecting the special needs community nationwide but locally this change will hit a lot of people.

"The special needs must have their places of education so they can keep on learning."

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