A RESPITE centre for adults with learning difficulties, which was repeatedly threatened with closure, has now received a glowing review and £1 million funding boost.

Westminster House in Newport, which is run by the Isle of Wight Council, was rated as 'requires improvement' following a 2016 inspection and was twice saved from closure following campaigns from those who used the service in 2012 and 2016.

But the centre was rated 'good' in all areas after its latest CQC report, published on July 30, and has since been allocated £997,000 by the council to further improve its service.

The centre provides short term respite for adults aged 18 to 65 with learning disabilities or autism.

Care can be provided for up to ten individuals at the centre, but it usually only supports a maximum of four people at a time.

Dr Carol Tozer, the council’s director of adult social care, said: "Westminster House delivers a highly valued respite care resource for people with learning disabilities and their families.

"Over the past two years, we have implemented a major transformation programme across all of the learning disabilities homes we run in the council.

"I am delighted CQC has rated Westminster as ‘good’ in all respects because this is testament to the hard work, commitment and skill of everyone who works there — and to the positive impact of the change programme we have adhered to.

"I congratulate each and every one of my colleagues who work at Westminster House, who are justifiably proud of the service they deliver."

Councillor Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "I have repeatedly stated that my ambition is for the Island’s adult social services to become a national exemplar, so I am delighted to read CQC rates highly the quality of care and support provided at Westminster House.

"We want the services run directly by adult social care, of which Westminster House is one, to be at the front of our exemplar ambitions and that is why I am also very pleased to announce we have allocated £997,000 to further improve the quality of the environment at Westminster House and provide people using the service with improved facilities."

Staff were praised as 'kind and caring' and for being 'competent, knowledgeable and skilled' in their roles.