A mum is to hold a series of public meetings in a bid to save a much loved home which offers respite for disabled children and their families.

Lorraine Woodhouse whose severely autistic son, Aidan, attends Lavender House in New Farm Road, Stanway, is one of the many parents trying to save the service.

Essex County Council has already consulted on plans to close the home, and a similar one in Harlow, as it says they are under capacity.

Mrs Woodhouse, 47, of Robletts Way, Wormingford, fought for more than two years for Aidan, seven, to be given four nights per month stay at the home.

The mum-of-four said: “He has only been there a year and now they say they are proposing to close it.

“We don’t think they realise how much of a struggle it is for us families."

The meeting will be held at 10am on February 10 in the Kingsland Church in London Road, Lexden, which is above the Aldi store.

A second public meeting will be held on February 14, in the same place, and Mr Madden will attend to answer questions.

For more information email lorr67@hotmail.com