PARENTS and users of Bondfield Day Care Centre have accused the council of destroying Christmas for disallowing a visit from Santa Claus.

People at the Wombwell centre for adults with learning difficulties were deemed 'too old' to be visited by Santa even though many of them have a much younger mental age.

The Chronicle has this week learned that the council did not ask those who use the centre whether they wanted to see Santa, despite Coun David Bostwick, the Cabinet member for adult social services, stating last week that adults with learning difficulties should be treated like adults, not like children.

Sybil Davey, whose daughter attends the centre, said: "What this council doesn't understand is that these adults believe in Santa Claus. By adopting a more 'adult orientated philosophy' they have destroyed Christmas.

"The council are actually treating them like children by taking away something they love without even asking them what they want."

Centre staff were warned not to speak to the Chronicle but Coun Margaret Morgan, said: "I agree that they are adults and should be treated in such a way as long as they are given the option of having a Santa or not.

"If they have decided for themselves that they would prefer not to and to go to the pantomime or another social event, fine. But they need to be given an option and decide what they would like."

When asked whether the council had approached service users about the visit from Santa, Coun Bostwick did not answer the question.