A disabled day care centre, which has been described as a second home to its users, will shut later this year despite opposition.

The Causeway and Crescent Centres in New Malden, which provide for people with learning and physical disabilities, will close their doors by October 31.

The decision was finalised by councillors last night.

Many carers opposed to the decision shunned the meeting saying it was a foregone conclusion.

Under the new plans, day services for people with physical disabilities will be transferred to the Newent Resource Centre in Surbiton.

People with learning disabilities will have no permanent base but will use drop in care services provided by Home Farm Trust, Kingston Work Activities Service, and other local support providers.

Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock said following a visit to the centre she was appalled to see people trying to save it and described it as past its sell by date.

She said: "This is the way forward for people with disabilities. People that I have spoken to during that year were very supportive of the council arrangements.

"The way I look at it it’s been a bit too slow coming."

New Malden resident and former Conservative councillor Mary Clark has been campaigning against the closure.

At the meeting she said: "It’s their life it’s their second home. You’re essentially taking away a home for these people who have been there for 20 to 25 years."

Councillor David Fraser, who declined to vote at the meeting, said it was a very sad day and accused the council of deliberately running down the centre with a view to sell the land.

He said: "You should be ashamed of yourselves to allow the property to run into such a state of disrepair."

The future of the Cocks Crescent Site will be considered at a meeting in September.