Updated: CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a York care base for multiple sclerosis sufferers have been dealt a blow in their efforts to block its impending closure.

Demonstrators gathered outside the annual general meeting of the MS Society at a London hotel to voice their opposition to plans which will see the Woodlands respite care centre shut by the end of the year unless another organisation comes forward to take it over.

The centre, which provides day care and holidays, is one of four across the UK earmarked for closure, which the society said would allow it to focus on more personalised and individualised care.

Its weekend AGM saw a motion of no confidence in the society’s leadership over the issue fail.

Sixty per cent of members voted in favour of its Board of Trustees’ decision for the future of its respite care and plans which threaten the closure of the centres in York, Surrey, Warwickshire and east London.

A spokeswoman for the society said it was “pleased” with the outcome, adding: “This will ensure that more people affected by MS will be able to access short breaks which are right for them, wherever they live and whatever their needs. The current four centres are excellent, but are not used by the overwhelming majority of people with MS who need respite care.”

The society says 1,385 people stayed at the centres during 2008/09 but estimates about 30,000 people need respite care. It has also claimed more than 20 organisations have expressed an interest in taking the centres over.

But campaigners fear closure is likely because of the highly-specialist nature of the centres which are under threat and the equipment they house.

Former Society trustee Sue Tilley, who has had MS for 36 years, said: “They are expensive and it costs the society £2.7 million a year in subsidy, but we’ve known this for years.

“Respite homes are different to long-stay homes and they do cost money, but that’s what people give money for.”