A RESPITE home for disabled children in Colchester will remain open for at least a year.

Parents were concerned Lavender House, in Stanway, was under threat under a County Hall review of overnight short breaks for disabled youngsters.

But in a statement made today Essex County Council has stated the home, and another called The Maples in Harlow, will remain open unless and until new good quality breaks are available.

However the county council is starting a programme of work to develop other options including recruiting specialist foster carers for disabled children, and encouraging other providers into the county.

This work is expected to take at least a year before other options are available.

  • Read why one parent who uses Lavender House thinks this "privatisation" is a bad idea in Monday's Gazette.