Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has expressed his disappointment at this week’s decision by Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet to close Cefndy Healthcare in Rhyl, and is calling on the council to do all it can to redeploy staff and prevent any compulsory redundancies.

Despite strong challenge from back-bench councillors, including Leader of Denbighshire’s Conservative Group, Cllr Brian Jones, on Tuesday Cabinet members unanimously voted to close the enterprise, blaming the competitive global market.

The enterprise employs many disabled people, giving them the dignity of work, and helping them to promote and maintain their independence. 

After the proposals were first announced last month, Darren urged the council to scrap them.

He is therefore saddened by this week’s decision by the Labour-led Cabinet and concerned for all those employed at Cefndy Healthcare.

Commenting, he said:

“I am deeply disappointed by the decision to close Cefndy Healthcare.

“For years this centre has been a real lifeline for the disabled people and others who work there, providing them with a real sense of purpose. It has been a shining example of what inclusive employment can achieve and its closure will be a great loss.

“I understand and appreciate the challenges Cefndy Healthcare have faced more recently, but I am not convinced that all avenues to keep it open have been properly explored.  

“The decision taken this week is a huge blow for all who work at Cefndy Healthcare and they will understandably be worried about what the future holds for them.   

“I therefore implore Denbighshire County Council to do everything within their power to redeploy staff and prevent any compulsory redundancies. The employees have given some much to this enterprise over the years and deserve no less.”

Cllr Brian Jones said:

"The DCC Labour /Plaid led Cabinet have made another awful decision which will resonate with voters at the ballot box when the time comes.

"In voting to close Cefndy Healthcare, the Cabinet have destroyed a fifty year legacy of a service providing employment to disabled and vulnerable people across Denbighshire and beyond.

"I was disappointed they would not take up my offer to work with other stakeholders to formulate a recovery plan which would have secured the future of Cefndy in Rhyl."