FAMILIES of people with autism who have been campaigning against the closure of day centres say half the battle has been won.

Haringey Council agreed that people who rely on Roundway, Birbeck and Allways Day Centres, which are due to close in November, can use Ermine Road instead.

People were told last Tuesday after two families asked lawyers to hold negotiations with the authority.

Save Autism Services Haringey has been campaigning against the council for 15 months over the plans.

Mary Langan, who is a member of SASH and cares for her autistic son, James, 23, says she is “delighted” an alternative day centre will be provided.

She said: “It is a pity that it took the threat of legal action to make Haringey face up to its social and moral responsibilities to vulnerable adults in the community.

“We will be closely monitoring progress over the coming months, to make sure that Haringey fulfils its reassurances and provides appropriate day care services for those who need them and their families.

“We are delighted that Haringey has made a positive response to the case made by families and carers for maintaining high quality day services.”

Anna Nicholson, the area policy and participation officer at the National Autistic Society, is “pleased” families’ concerns are being listened to.

She said: “This is a welcome response from the council, particularly its assurances that autistic adults currently using the Roundway day service will continue to receive support from specially trained staff as it closes.

"The National Autistic Society was deeply concerned when the council announced plans to close Roundway. We supported local families and SASH in their tireless campaign to challenge the decision, highlighting the complex needs of the autistic adults using the service and how these can only be met by staff trained in autism.

"We're pleased that the council has listened to families’ concerns and recognised the need for a specialist autism service, including a timeline for change to the new service at Ermine Road. Autistic people can really struggle with change and need a long time to prepare, so this should help.”

Joe Derrett, a council spokesman, said: “As part to our plans to transform adult social care in Haringey we have always been clear that day support and opportunities will be available to all residents who are eligible for them. This situation has not changed.”