COUNCILLORS spoke of their determination to press on with a revamp which includes controversial plans to shut a centre in Gourock for adults with learning disabilities.

The Tele recently revealed how local authority officials are set to close the McPherson Centre and merge it with the Fitzgerald Centre in Greenock.

The move is part of a redesign of learning disability services but it has been slammed by a number of families who use the centre.

Earlier this week councillors on the health and social care committee were shown a video of service users discussing the proposed changes.

The video showed that many of the service users would like to see a new centre for games, activities and developing skills.

One woman featured in the clip said: “The centre helps you meet new people and get involved, we all get on well.”

Councillors on the committee said they were keen to ensure that progress on the service revamp would continue.

Council leader Stephen McCabe said it was important that the changes do not stall.

He said: “I don’t want us to be sitting here in 10 years talking about this, we need to make sure that as a committee we have a strong oversight on this.

“I would propose that we get another report after the summer recess and then regular reports at every second meeting.

“We need to get this right.”

Officials have defended the changes and pledged that there will be continuity for staff and service users.

The plan to implement a major redesign of services was approved in August last year.

It includes a long-term vision for a new community hub to accommodate daycare for people with learning disabilities and older people.

All care packages will also be reviewed, with managers saying this will ensure that they meet individuals’ needs and are financially sustainable.