AFTER more than 5,400 people signed a petition to stop the closure of the Island’s mental health day centres, a public meeting is being held to discuss the plans.

The petition will also be presented to the full council at its next meeting on July 24.

The public meeting will provide an opportunity for all who are concerned to speak with local councillors and a Unison representative.

Ryde East councillor, Michael Lilley, will speak alongside George Brewer, a service user.

Colleen Brannon, who started the petition said: “All people potentially impacted by these proposals and their families and friends are encouraged to come along, as well as concerned members of the public who understand the value of the services that are likely to be closed if proposals go ahead, and the impact on the community these changes will have.

“The petition will be presented to the council at the next full meeting in July, assuming of course, it meets the new anti-democratic criteria set out for petitioning the council since the recent rule changes.”

Concerns raised by those who have signed the petition include job loses, and the potential for residents to be at risk of suicide without that bespoke and fluctuating level of support.

The meeting will take place at 7pm on Thursday, June 6, at Quay Arts, Newport.