SOCIAL workers will try to calm fears over the future of Widemarsh Workshop at a meeting in Hereford on Sunday.

Friends of the prize-winning workshop which provides sheltered employment for people with disabilities claim Herefordshire Council has introduced changes which appear to undermine its existence as they have known it.

They are also critical about lack of consultation with the workshop's clients and families and say even staff are kept in the dark.

But Sue Fiennes, the council's director of social care, described many of the fears as unfounded, and some of the claims as inaccurate.

She said she would explain the situation at the public meeting at the workshop on Sunday and all those present would be given a written statement.

Ms Fiennes said it was not the council's policy to cut back on services for the disabled, its intention was to extend them.

And she would like to see the formation of a group, including users, parents and staff to work together for the future of the workshop on Widemarsh Common.

In a letter to the council, Keith Bladon, chairman of the Friends of Widemarsh Workshop, listed the following fears:

l the council had abolished, on spurious grounds the meagre pittance (£4 a week) paid to the workers;

l changing the basis on which people were assessed for attendance from one based on personal needs to where they lived instead;

l introducing attendance fees in some cases, requiring workers to pay to be there;

l refusing to allow new workers to attend more than three days a week and denying the facilities of the workshop to those who lived in sheltered accommodation or care homes.

Responding, Ms Fiennes told The Hereford Times the council had been obliged to withdraw the £4 payment because of Government regulations. An alternative payment, based on expenses would soon be introduced. Some were already receiving payments.

During assessments some people could be offered a similar service nearer their homes. If this was not possible they would go to Widemarsh Workshop.

It was inaccurate to say that some users of the workshop will be charged to attend.

It was true that people in sheltered accommodation or care homes would not automatically get five days a week at the workshop. Some days they could be placed at other venues, according to their needs, and in their interests to help develop their best potential.

Ms Fiennes stressed there were no plans or intentions to close the workshop.

The Sunday meeting at Widemarsh Workshop, which is open to the public, starts at 6.30pm.