A public meeting at Bridges Centre on Monday evening failed to ;resolve the growing row over changes to the way special needs people are dealt with in Monmouth and su rrounding areas. In fact, campaigners are vowing to keep up their fight. Councillor Brian Hood told The Beacon on Tuesday: "We met with people who had concerns about the changes we are implementing and I reassured those who turned up that there will be a real improvement in people's independence with control and social inclusion. "Our social enterprise system is there to help people and has been proved to work excellently. "We have really have tried to help and be understanding. Our officers have consulted with many people and their families and spoken at length to those people affected about the new way the service will run. "I met one person who said that her son was so thrilled at the new scheme because he was making things people wanted to buy, rather than just being given things to do to occupy his time. We've also been ensuring people have the opportunity to take part in taster sessions of the new groups they will be joining and there were very positive responses from the taster sessions. "However, for those who felt that they hadn't been consulted enough, we agreed to meet each of them to discuss further the individual needs. There will be another meeting, arranged by the Mayor on August 18th at 5pm at the same location. "It is important to stress that nobody will lose the current level of service they receive in terms of hours or quality of care. "Transport to and from the new group will be arranged and paid for and support will be offered to help the new students to get to the new locations. There will be ongoing support for people. "We are not making any cuts in staff, but will be using staff to support people with high support needs in different projects as well as providing individual packages of support."
