'They're crying constantly': Concern for vulnerable Linslade residents as Mencap home to close

A small number of people with learning disabilities live in a property owned by Dimensions, which is run by Mencap for Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) social services.

But the Mencap home has been “operating at a loss” for two years – and CBC will not be recruiting a new provider.

A source claims that residents were informed about the closure around “six weeks ago”, leaving them "distressed" and "upset", with notice served for early July. They also claim that staff will be made redundant.

Mencap says that “careful, person-centred transition planning is in place”, while CBC stated that “no resident will be left without suitable alternative arrangements”. Since the LBO made contact, their tenancy has also been extended until August 3.

But the source claimed: "They [the residents] are being taken to various homes to look at, which so far have proved totally unsuitable.

"One is in Stewkley, meaning as well as having to change doctors, dentists, etcetera – they would be under a whole new social services department. The bedrooms were tiny. And there were no shops – there's nothing to do.

"At the moment they go down into town by themselves and have a social life there. Most people in Leighton seem to know and look out for them.

"The other option is an old people's home, but they would not have the same level of freedom that they have now. In fact, they would be virtually under lock and key."

The source claimed it was suggested that one resident was placed with younger people with learning disabilites – but argued that they need companions "closer to their own age".

They added: "The residents are like a family. And they are obviously very, very close with the support workers. They are just getting so upset, crying constantly. I can see them all having a breakdown.

"They can't just put them somewhere and forget about them."

The source has also reached out to the MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.

Alex Mayer said: “I know residents and their families are extremely worried about the closure of the accommodation and the very short notice they were given.

“Leighton Buzzard is their home. Over many years they have built their lives and made friends in the town. That’s where they want to stay.

“I urge the council to see what more can be done to support these residents.”

The source believes that there could be a solution, as they have heard that Liaise – a company providing specialist, bespoke support for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people – could be opening a property in the town.

They concluded: "It seems that neither Mencap nor social services are taking responsibility for the closure – possibly both blaming each other. [The current home] It's not ideal, it's a bit of a rabbit warren, a steep drive.

"Surely, something could be done so that they could stay where they are for now and transfer to Liaise?"

A spokeswoman for Liaise, said: "At present, Liaise does not operate any services in Leighton Buzzard. We are not involved in the arrangements [relating to the property] between CBC and Mencap.

"We are currently in discussions with the local authority regarding a potential future service in the area, subject to the appropriate commissioning, development and regulatory processes.

"As we are not involved in the current situation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."

A CBC spokesman said: “Mencap notified the council on April 16 that it could no longer sustain the care provision, and residents were informed that the service would need to close by July. However, to support the transition Mencap will continue the service until August 3.

"Since receiving notice, we have been working closely with residents, their families, advocates, and care networks to identify suitable alternative arrangements. Each resident is supported by a dedicated social worker and is actively involved in decisions about their future care and accommodation. Every resident has shared their views and preferences and are being supported to visit alternative housing options.

"We will continue to work closely with Mencap and residents to ensure everyone is supported through this transition. Their care and accommodation needs remain our priority, and no resident will be left without suitable alternative arrangements.”

Jon Sparkes, chief executive at Mencap, said: “Providing quality support is of the utmost importance to Mencap and we will not compromise on this.

“The service [at the home] has been operating at a loss since 2024, with Mencap making up the shortfall in funding, which is not sustainable for a charity in the long term.

“This financial situation has largely been due to a long-term vacancy in the property which has been challenging to fill despite extensive efforts. This situation reflects the challenges of finding suitable placements that meet both the needs of people we support and the suitability of the property itself.

“We have been working closely and constructively with CBC over an extended period with the aim of collaboratively finding a way for Mencap to continue to run this service. However, it has become clear the current model is no longer viable and that the property is not suited to meet people’s long-term needs, and we have therefore taken the difficult decision to serve notice.

“We recognise how upsetting this news is for the people we support, many of whom have called it [the property] home for many years. We are deeply sorry for the impact this will have on them, their families and our own colleagues.

“The ongoing wellbeing of the people we support is our primary concern during this process. Mencap is working in partnership with the local authority and families to ensure each person is supported to move to accommodation that is right for them, with careful, person-centred transition planning in place.”

Julia Ashley, chief housing and communications officer at Dimensions, said: “We own the property and are the landlord. We do not provide support at this address, and we have not served notice on the tenants.

"We understand that Mencap, as the support provider, and CBC have been discussing future support arrangements with the people who live there and their families.

"We appreciate that any potential move from a long term home can be unsettling. The wellbeing, wishes, and long-term needs of the tenants must be central.

"We will continue to work with Mencap and the council as the landlord. We hope for a swift and positive resolution at the heart of every decision.”