Families that rely on a centre for disabled children are meeting with the authorities to discuss the closure of the site.

It was announced on June 16 that Nascot Lawn Respite Centre, Langley Road, would close on October 31.

The decision made by the Herts Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) due to a lack of funding.

READ MORE: Parents fight for centre for disabled centre  to stay open as it is 'key to coping'

The news has been met with opposition and an online petition has reached more than 10,000 signatures.

The CCG and Hertfordshire County Council have been holding meetings with the affected families and advised that the children’s needs will be assessed in July to determine how care will be provided going forward.

The funding for services including nursing support, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, special school nursing and child and adolescent mental health services will not be affected.

READ MORE: Families 'devastated' by impending closure of centre for disabled children

But the centre allows families of children with severe medical need to take a break and spend time with their other children.

Watford MP Richard Harrington is supporting the plight to keep the centre open.

In a letter to Dr Small, Chair of the Herts Valley CCG he said: “I am opposed to the closure of Nascot Lawn as in my view it is an essential local service and a lifeline to so many families.

“This centre is totally unique and it would be a great loss if it were to close down.”

Cllr Nigel Bell has also challenged the decision and will be raising the issue at the next full county council meeting on July 11.

READ MORE: Decision to close centre for disabled children criticised

Councillor for Children’s Services Teresa Heritage said: “We are disappointed that Herts Valleys CCG has since decided to cease their funding contribution to short breaks services which means we will not be able to move forward with integrated health and social care provision.

“The county council fully appreciates this is an extremely anxious time for families and we will be working closely with partners, staff and parents to minimise the impact of this decision.”

Head of Programme Communications and Engagement for the Herts Valley CCG Louise Manders said: “We will work alongside our social care colleagues to make sure that children and families currently attending Nascot Lawn have an assessment of their social and health needs to understand their needs and eligibility for other services.

“Where families are assessed as needing health related support in any future respite services we will work with the county council to make sure staff are trained to meet their needs.”