A north-east grandmother has criticised a renowned day centre after bosses cut out hot meals and a bus service for disabled users.
Willowbank Day Service, a centre for adults with disabilities, was awarded top grades by inspectors last year.
But now Aberdeenshire Council, which runs the facility near Peterhead, has come under fire from an angry relative of one service user.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said her granddaughter is no longer receiving hot meals or transport to and from the rural site.
“They have to take their own meals, but if the meals are hot they have to be in a special container,” she said. “They won’t heat them up because they don’t have a microwave.
“Now they are being told they will not have a bus to transport them to Willowbank, they have to get taxis.
“This is a disgrace – why have the council not got the funds for these people? We are taking in all these refugees but cannot help our own vulnerable. I am so mad these people didn’t ask to be born like this.”
But last night a council spokesman rebuffed the claims, and said the change in food provided at Willowbank has been staggered over the past three years.
Transport provision to and from the site is currently under review.
The spokesman said: “Adult day services across Aberdeenshire are being modernised to ensure that the service provision is one of enablement.
“Resources are focused on enabling adults to achieve the best outcomes and to fulfil their potential.”
He added the traditional model of providing a “one size fits all in a segregated building” is being steadily replaced with more local services.
Officers from the Care Inspectorate made an unannounced visit to Willowbank in December last year.
After several days of staff and service user interviews, inspectors awarded the site grade five – or “very good” – in all categories.