SOME service users and opposition councillors have backed county council plans to close four residential homes and 11 day care centres used by elderly people and those with disabilities.

Hampshire council chiefs propose to change the way they provide care to vulnerable adults, saving about £1.7m per year.

They want to provide residential care for the most vulnerable in five hostels instead of nine across the county.

Meanwhile, 11 out of 12 day care centres would close, with three new ones opening up with more services.

The move will free up cash for vulnerable adults to decide what they would like to do themselves, helped by carers and guardians.

Stephen Hull, a service user from Fareham who co-chairs Hampshire Learning Disability Partnership Board, said it was exactly what they wanted.

He said: “I’ve spoken to some people at day centres and they’re getting bored sitting there doing jigsaws and that isn’t a day service. We need to get out and do a lot more.”

The changes were also backed by Councillor Alan Dowden, Lib Dem spokesman for adult services. He said: “I’m certainly very supportive of the council plans to bring in a wider range of services.”

Concerns were raised about the closures when revealed by the Daily Echo last week.

The move was condemned by charities for people with learning difficulties and the families of users.

Jane Jessop, chairman of Winchester Mencap who has a 25-year-old son with Downs syndrome, said: “This will isolate more people in their own homes.”

Trevor Rabjohn whose daughter Emma, 36, has lived at Harestock Hostel, also known as Upton Grey, in Winchester since it opened in 1993 added: “These services are the last place the council should be looking to save money.”

Public consultation on the plans ends on March 14.