A young group of adults with autism in Sidcup have been forced to leave a decade-long “community success story” that allows them to deal with their special needs.

Alan Cobb, 57, of Shakespeare Road, Bexleyheath, is bitterly upset that his autistic son, Michael, 23, has been ripped out of his two-hour safe space where he can interact with his friends.

News Shopper:
Bexley Council has confirmed that the club is now closed

The families were informed by the council that his son's classes at the Sidcup Youth Centre will be scrapped as part of a council "Youth Review" to redirect funds.

The club in Burnt Oak Lane has catered for vulnerable young adults like Michael for nearly a decade.

Mr Cobb said: “We’re devastated as a family.

“The group started when they were about 11 - 12 years old - they all love going there, it’s a success story.

“These people depend on this.

"It is a cut that does not need to be made.

“Teenagers can hang around with their mates but Michael can’t do that, he has to be with me.

"If they don't go to the club where do they go?"

Mr Cobb added: “You judge society on how you treat the most vulnerable and the council is just getting them to go away.

“It’s diabolical.”

Mr Cobb told News Shopper that the group had been given two weeks to make alternative arrangements and that he found out that his son's sessions would end through word of mouth.

Plans to slash funding for youth services by £138,000 were given the go-ahead by Bexley Council on January 26.

A further £220,000 of the staff budget was also slashed - involving 27 members of youth service staff across the borough - the equivalent of seven full time roles.

The age restrictions on Michael’s club arrive with the council’s recent announcement of a new £110,000, five-unit semi-supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities.

News Shopper:
The Sidcup gang met for the final time on Monday (May 23)

Pengarth near Danson Park was refurbished and opened on May 9.

The council has confirmed that almost 600 people with learning disabilities receive support through the council.

A spokeswoman from Bexley Council said: “Most of the members of this club are over 18 and as part of the transition arrangements, when a date is set for the sessions to come to an end we will be liaising with the voluntary sector and adult social care to ensure that information about the other services and relevant organisations is made available.

News Shopper:
The council has made the cuts as part of a youth review

“As a consequence this has now refocused on those under 18 and members over 18 have been provided with appropriate information on appropriate local groups that support adults with Special Educational Needs.

"The Monday group for young people with Special Educational Needs has come to an end.

"We have provided group members, parents and carers with information on alternative groups and organisations.

"A member of the youth team will also be there on the first Monday after half term on June 6 between 7-8pm to assist with any queries.

The teens met together for the last time on Monday (May 23).