THE closure of day centres for adults with disabilities in Glasgow was debated by MSPs at Holyrood.

Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow, led the debate over Glasgow City Council's proposals which could see three centres closed.

He said the closures were a cut to services and was concerned the consultation process has not sufficiently considered the views of users and their families.

Several city MSPs debated the issue with Labour MSPs stating that it was not a cut as any savings were to be spent on new social care services. They said if the council was given a fairer settlement from the Scottish Government it would have more cash to spend.

The plans will see day care centres for adults in Summer-ston, Maryhill and Berry-knowes closed. Others will remain open for those assessed as needing services.

Mr Doris said: "The current proposals are out to consulta-tion until the end of January with a decision due soon after.

"I have been contacted by many individual members of the families, friends and carers of day centre users over the holiday period, and had the opportunity to visit the threatened Summerston centre before Christmas.

"I believe that these proposals are a straight-forward cut to services for vulnerable people, particularly those with the most profound learning difficulties, and would leave no adequate alternative service on offer, greatly increasing the isolation of an already isolated group."

"Also, with no adequate alternative provision being put in place for those with less severe difficulties, I believe that essential needs will be left un-met. There is evidence that many of the people affected by previous day centre closures in Glas-gow are still not receiving an appropriate alternative."

Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, said: "Services for vulnerable people should be the best they can be but we need to be brave enough to take decisions when needed.

"I am not content that the process so far has been appropriate. I welcome the extension and hope it will allow carers to participate."

She said Glasgow had £153million taken from its budget by the Scottish Government in the last two years.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "The consultation has been carried out in the appropriate way. We continue to listen to the views of key stakeholders."

stewart.paterson@ heraldandtimes.co.uk