ePetition details

For over 40 years, vulnerable young adults with autism and/or learning disabilities from all over Hillingdon have attended the award-winning Rural Activities Garden Centre (R.A.G.C.) on West Drayton Road, Uxbridge UB8 3JZ

These young adults have significantly benefited from confidence-building activities by working as volunteer gardeners, supervised by the brilliant staff at the centre. This work produces plants and other garden items for sale to the public, substantially subsidising the centre. At the time of writing, the London Borough of Hillingdon web site describes R.A.G.C. as its "hidden gem".

At a hastily arranged meeting on Friday, 30th May 2025, young adults with learning disabilities and their families were shocked to be informed by the London Borough of Hillingdon that it had decided to close the award-winning Rural Activities Garden Centre (R.A.G.C.).

Over 50 people attended the meeting and, sad to say, there were tears from some of those who attended the centre after they learnt of the planned closure. Their professional carers and a local GP at the meeting expressed alarm at the impact any closure would have on the lives of the vulnerable people they care for.

Councillor Eddie Lavery (Ickenham and Harefield Ward) is planning to make the closure decision at the Cabinet meeting at the Civic Centre on 26th June 2025 from 7.00 p.m. This meeting can be attended by members of the public as observers.

We the undersigned petition the London Borough of Hillingdon Council to stop the closure of the Rural Activities Garden Centre (R.A.G.C.) on West Drayton Road.

Key Objections Against the Proposed Closure
The closure of the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) would result in:

1. a significant, negative and detrimental impact on the lives of the vulnerable young adults with autism and/or learning disabilities who use the centre.

2. a significant, negative and detrimental life-changing impact on the lives of the families, staff and professionals who support and care for the young adults with learning disabilities

3. the removal of vital and irreplaceable social support for vulnerable young adults with autism and/or learning disabilities

In its proposed closure of the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC), the London Borough of Hillingdon has acted unfairly and undemocratically:

4. The families and young adults with learning disabilities were informed of the proposed closure at extremely short notice on Friday, 30th May 2025, less than a month before the Council Cabinet’s decision is to be made on Thursday 26th June 2025.

5. Limited time was afforded to those interested and concerned parties to express their opposition to the proposed closure i.e. families, staff, professionals and members of the medical profession who support and care for young adults with learning disabilities.

6. The Council has failed to provide a wider local public consultation and engagement exercise and has failed to provide any transparency on its proposed closure of the centre.

7. Accordingly the Council has not consulted more broadly and widely with those both directly impacted by the proposed closure and local residents.

On reaching 100 signatures it will be formally considered by the Council and relevant Cabinet Member. Democratic Services Team will keep the lead petitioner updated on progress.

This ePetition ran from 03/06/2025 to 25/06/2025 and has now finished.

1374 people signed this ePetition.