A respite care centre is facing closure after a Clinical Commissioning Group decided to cut its funding, despite a last-ditch attempt from parents and politicians to save it.

Financial support for Nascot Lawn Respite Service, based in Langley Road, Watford, from Herts Valley CCG will come to an end in May 2018.

The centre, which costs £600,000 a year to run, provides short breaks for children with complex health needs and learning disabilities.

Its position had come under threat after HVCCG was told to find £45 million in savings by NHS England.

A lengthy campaign run by parents, carers, politicians and the Watford Observer had hoped to prevent the funding cuts but HVCCG has “unanimously” agreed to implement them. Richard Harrington, MP for Watford, expressed his sadness at the outcome but vowed to continue fighting.

He said: “This decision is very disappointing, and my thoughts are with the families affected.

“I am hugely supportive of a blended funding solution and that’s what I will continue to work towards, despite the news.

“I will be meeting with families affected soon to discuss our next step, and doing everything I can to find a way forward, and save Nascot Lawn.”

His disappointment was shared by Amanda Batten, CEO of Contact and Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, who accused authorities of disregarding the needs of parents and patients who rely on the services provided by the centre.

She said: “We are bitterly disappointed by the CCGs decision to cease funding for Nascot Lawn.

“Families who have fought so hard to keep the centre open will be left feeling devastated and fearful for their families’ future.

“They have been left hanging by a thread while the CCG and council have squabbled for months over who should fund the vital services Nascot Lawn provides for some of the most sick and disabled children and their families in the area.”

Those behind the ‘Save Nascot Lawn’ campaign had gathered outside the HVCCG’s headquarters in Hemel Hempstead on November 16 in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the centre from closure.

Parents who make use of the centre explained how it acts as an invaluable lifeline and gives them the opportunity to experience things they would otherwise have to forego.

Croxley Green resident Angela Collyer, whose daughter Lauren Canavan regularly attends Nascot, said: “It enables me to have a life. It’s absolutely vital and we’d be totally lost without it.”

She added that taking Lauren to the care facility gives her the chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep, spend time with her other children and enjoy a social life.

Her friend Laura Grace, whose daughter McKenzie Blu also visits Nascot, said: “It gives us a break, which is something we need.

“It allows us to plan our lives and, without this, it all goes out the window – we’d have no time to do anything else.”

HVCCG were contacted for comment but were unable to provide a response.