THE article “Doubt over future of centre for respite care, Shuttle, July 4) causes me great concern.

Although the Ludlow Road centre – quite recently renamed The Poplars – is based in Kidderminster, I chose the centre as one of my mayoral charities, as it provides care for children and young people up to the age of 18 with learning and physical disabilities from the whole of Wyre Forest and, indeed, Worcestershire.

I do have family connections within the staff at the centre, and have visited many times.

The staff are so committed to their jobs and, like true professionals, care more about the children in their care than their actual career futures.

I arranged a visit to the centre last week with Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier and he has promised to investigate the reasons behind possible closure.

Last year my wife and myself as deputy mayor and deputy mayoress took part in a charity walk for a similar respite centre in Stourport.

The fact the future of The Poplars is in question is a very sad experience for me.

KEN HENDERSON Mayor of Stourport Princess Way Stourport