DURSLEY Training Unit has been given a stay of execution thanks to pressure from campaigners.

The unit had been earmarked for closure by Gloucestershire County Council, as part of the authority’s cost cutting measures.

However, the county council this week announced a reprieve for the unit after one of its users threatened court action over the closure.

Earlier this month the Gazette reported how Gary Pockett, 46 from Wotton-under-Edge, was to take the council’s decision to the High Court.

Gary, who is blind, suffers from epilepsy, and has learning difficulties, with the help of his brother Chris, lodged the court action in a final bid to stop the closure.

In a statement Gloucestershire County Council said, despite being confident with its original decision, it will now offer the training unit users care assessments before a fresh decision on its future is made later this year.

The authority said litigation would be expensive and could cause further delay and uncertainty on the future of the centre.

Cllr Antonia Noble, cabinet member for people with long-term support, said: "I recognise that this is a difficult issue and it is not one that would be made easier by engaging in litigation.

"A prolonged court battle would cause undue distress for users and their families whose welfare remains our priority in taking this decision.

She added: "We need to be clear that all options remain open and the council’s focus will be on providing the most appropriate support for vulnerable people."

Chris Pockett, who helped co-ordinate a petition with 7,700 signatures opposing the closure, said he welcomed the council’s announcement.

He said: "We welcome the decision. It completely vindicates our decision to challenge the decision they made in May.

"I do think it’s slightly ridiculous to suggest a prolonged court battle would cause undue distress. What’s caused distress for users is the county council’s decision to close the unit in the first place."

Gloucestershire County Council will start work on reviewing this process immediately and expects to make a decision later in the year.