RESPITE centre problems have left exhausted parents desperate for a break.

Disabled and autistic children used to visit three different centres across the borough when their parents and carers needed some time off.

But these centres closed at the end of August and the promised opening of Hollybanks, Chislehurst Road, Orpington, at the beginning of September, has been delayed.

Building tools and materials are still scattered through the building and the road crossing, railings and signs have not been installed.

Angela Shields, of Footbury Hill Road, Orpington, says they have not been given a definite date when it will be finished and says the situation is unacceptable.

Her 13-year-old son Scot is autistic and has dyspraxia so having someone else looking after him for a few hours a week used to be a lifeline for her.

Mrs Shields said: "We have got no respite and it is not good enough.

"I used to plan everything for the respite hours because they are crucial but now I get no quality time with my daughter at all."

The 38-year-old says the respite breaks scheduled for October are now being cancelled and she has no idea when her next break will come.

She added: "They say they will write in the future when it will be open but they have made promises and then reneged on their promises."

Lorraine Baker, a mother of two autistic children, needed respite care when she went into hospital at the beginning of September to have her appendix taken out.

But the lack of a centre meant her sister and new husband had to take care of their nine and 12-year-old.

The 37-year-old, of Tilney Road, Bickley, said: "It has got beyond a joke.

"Respite was not there when we needed it and we were promised a seamless transfer but this has not happened."

Portfolio holder for children and young people Councillor Ernest Noad said: "None of the existing facilities used were fit for purpose according to a National Standards Care Commission report in 2002.

"The units had to close so all furniture and fittings could be moved to the new centre."

He added: "The centre compares favourably with residential respite facilities in other authorities.

"Parents have been informed of any changes in the opening time through regular meetings.

"Any parent experiencing undue strain can contact a social worker in the council's children with disabilities team."

Cllr Noad said: "Staff at Hollybank will be calling families to see if they need any immediate help pending the reopening of the service."