Lamb presses for possible funding schemes to be pursued for Elmwood Outreach Project as a 'Top Priority'

12.40.12pm GMT Fri 8th Oct 2004

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, has written to the Director of Social Services expressing his 'deep concern' over the closure of the Elmwood Outreach Project.

"The Elmwood Outreach Project has been providing an extremely important service helping adults with learning difficulties improve their social and communication skills by interacting with people outside their immediate family unit," said Mr Lamb. "The project also provided invaluable respite for carers of adults who attended regularly.

Norman Lamb has expressed concerns that letters regarding the closure were only sent out on 27 September: "Adults attending the project, and their families, were given very short notice regarding the closure, leaving families with no time to look for other options.

"I understand there is the possibility of Elmwood being taken over by an independent provider, with placements funded by Social Services. I feel this is a top priority that all possible avenues are pursued as soon as possible to ensure that the families who have been relying on Elmwood are not left in the lurch for any longer than necessary."

Mr Lamb has asked whether a target date for the re-opening of the project has been set.