Chaddeton day care centre petition hits 4,000 signatures

The families of service users at Chadderton Hall Park Day Care, which has been going strong for decades, were first informed of its potential closure in January 2026.

Since then, they have met with representatives of Oldham Council and Miocare, the council-led provider that runs the service, and have called on members of the public to support their fight to save it.

Their campaigning has attracted the attention of MP Jim McMahon, who said in February: “It’s important that every effort is made to keep this service open for those who depend on it.”

In response, the council announced that a consultation on the closure of the day service would continue until June 5.

In the meantime, family members have set up an online petition to save Chadderton Hall Park Day Care via Change.org, which has attracted just over 4,000 signatures.

The petition organiser, Amanda Shelley, whose brother, 50-year-old Mark Hilton, has been attending the service for 20 years, published an update to supporters, thanking them for getting behind the cause.

Mark Hilton enjoys being able to do woodwork at the Chadderton Hall Park Day Care (Image: Amanda Shelley)

She wrote: “We now have just over 4,000 signatures. Thank you to every single person who has supported us, signed, shared, and stood beside us through this fight to keep open Chadderton Hall Park services for adults with learning disabilities.

“Your kindness, compassion, and support have meant more than words can ever say to all of us fighting to protect this wonderful place and the amazing adults who rely on it every day.

“Now we keep hoping and praying for a positive result on June 5.”

Chadderton Hall Park Day Care service is described as an “alternative to traditional day care”, which gives its members a variety of opportunities and experiences unavailable elsewhere.

The service teaches its members skills like woodwork, cookery, and gardening, as well as providing them with a sense of community and belonging.

Speaking to The Oldham Times earlier this year, Amanda described the Chadderton Hall Park Day Care service as “irreplaceable”.

She said: “It just fits every single one of [Mark’s] needs. It's like a family there for them, it’s amazing. His life, and all the other 21 adults that attend, their lives are just changed drastically."