A councillor has expressed how she was "thrilled" to hear controversial plans to merge two Renfrewshire lifeline centres were rejected.

Anne Hannigan, a Lib Dem councillor in Renfrewshire, said that the proposals were thought out "very poorly" and the process created "a period of fear" for people.

We previously reported how the Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) was tasked for a second time to vote on proposals to merge Linwood's Milldale Centre with Paisley's Mirin Centre on Monday, April 29.

The decision was rejected after the board voted against the proposals 5-3.

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It was a move that looked to help cut a huge budget deficit of over £15 million, with the merger and axe to the Flexicare service looking to save just over £450k.

Cllr Hannigan said that she had fully supported the views of parents and users of the centre who fought against the proposal.

The Paisley Southwest representative admitted that ex-councillor, Eileen McCartin, who played a key role in introducing the day centres over a decade ago was also keen on the outcome.

Cllr Hannigan said: “I was absolutely delighted to hear of the decisions taken by the IJB.

"The centres truly are a lifeline to the users of the services and their families, and the relief felt by them all after such a protracted period of fear and uncertainty will be immense.

"This was always a very poorly thought out policy by people who just didn't understand what these centres provide for their users.

"I have also spoken to ex-councillor Eileen McCartin, who helped introduce these centres some 15 years ago, and she is very pleased that common sense has prevailed, and that at least one other member has voted with the four Renfrewshire councillors to support the users of both centres for the future."