At a hastily arranged meeting on 30th May, young adults with learning disabilities and their families were shocked to be informed by Hillingdon Council that it had decided to close the award-winning Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) on West Drayton Road, without consultation with those impacted.

For over 40 years, vulnerable young adults with autism and/or learning disabilities from all over Hillingdon have attended this centre for social support and to benefit from confidence-building activities by working as volunteer gardeners, supervised by the brilliant staff at the centre. This work produces plants and other garden items for sale to the public, substantially subsidising the centre. At the time of writing, the council web site describes RAGC as its "hidden gem".

Over 50 people attended the meeting on 30th May and, sad to say, there were tears from some of those who attend the centre after they learnt of the planned closure. Their professional carers and a local GP at the meeting expressed alarm at the impact any closure would have on the lives of the vulnerable people they care for. 

We have very little time to stop this closure as Cllr. Eddie Lavery (Ickenham and Harefield Ward) is planning to rubber stamp the closure decision at the Cabinet meeting at the Civic Centre on 26th June (from 7pm).  This meeting can be attended by members of the public as observers.  If this closure goes ahead, it will have a life-changing impact on some vulnerable young adults so surely there should be proper consultation. If you agree, it would be great if you could sign this petition to request that the closure decision is withdrawn so that the irreplaceable support provided by this unique centre can continue.