As part of the ongoing fight to save a service for disabled children, Richard Harrington MP does his bit to prevent the closure.

After meeting with the Chairman of the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (HVCCG) Dr Nicolas Small last week, Mr Harrington has arranged a further meeting to save Nascot Lawn.

The centre looks after severely disabled children to give their parents, who act as full-time carers, a rest. Many parents use this time with their other children.

In efforts to save money the CCG have stated that they will stop funding the centre from October 31, which will save them £600,000 a year.

They believe that the provision of respite care is catering for a social need, and so believe that funding should come from elsewhere, namely from Hertfordshire County Council.

However many of the children that attend the centre have high medical need and have been referred to Nascot Lawn because they always have a registered nurse on site.

MP for Watford Richard Harrington has now arranged a meeting with the Director of Children’s Services Jenny Coles to discuss the prolonged support for Nascot Lawn.

The politician is also working towards coordinating a roundtable discussion with other local relevant stakeholders.

Mr Harrington said: “I am totally against the closure of Nascot Lawn Respite Centre. I have seen first-hand how fantastic this centre is, thanks to the brilliant staff who work there and how much support it provides to families.

“Last week I had a lengthy meeting with the Chairman of Herts Valley Clinical Commissioning Group. We discussed finding a way forward and the possibility of keeping Nascot Lawn open.

“We all agree that Nascot Lawn is a fantastic local service and no one wants to see it close.”