Parents and teachers are joining forces to fight the possible closure of an "essential" special needs centre for children.

A petition has been launched against plans to close the Fairways Observation Centre, in the Fairway, Leigh, which assesses children with educational needs.

The centre primarily takes youngsters from Southend, but accepts others from around Essex if the county council pays for their place.

Mary Burns, of Station Road, Westcliff, whose five-year-old son Kyuss Ballard attends the school, said she would be devastated if the centre is closed.

Her son's condition is undiagnosed, but he suffers from a learning disability.

The 28-year-old said: "The school is fantastic. Before my son went there his speech was repetitive and he was very frustrated and aggressive. Now he's a lovely little boy. There's so many other children that could benefit from this wonderful place."

"The school has set up a petition which we have to return by next Wednesday, against the centre being closed. It's essential for the children who go there."

Sally Carr, executive councillor for education, said no decision had yet been taken on the future of the centre.

She said: "The Government's policy is we must work towards inclusion of special needs children into mainstream schooling."

Published Friday, December 13, 2002

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