MENTAL health service users have expressed their disappointment over new proposals regarding their city hostel.

The Worcester News reported last week how Worcestershire County Council has proposed closing 2 Stanley Road, but is willing to compromise and keep a drop-in service open.

Residents would then be moved into their own accommodation in the community where they would receive regular visits from health professionals.

The new proposal is the fifth option the council has come up with and is recommended for approval at a cabinet meeting at County Hall tomorrow.

But the Friends of 2 Stanley Road - made up of past and present service users - have always remained adamant that the hostel, off Wyld's Lane, Worcester, provides a vital support service and that it should stay open.

Alex Gwinn, spokesman for the Friends, said: "Firstly, we regret that the service managers have talked first to the newspapers about option five rather than speaking first to ourselves or to the 2 Stanley Road staff.

"Number 2 Stanley Road is not simply another resource - it is the only centre locally that provides a non-medical psychiatric environment in which people can access valuable professional support and expert advice.

"It is regarded by many service users as the first step in accessing social support, from where further steps to other services or opportunities can be taken.

"The Friends of 2 Stanley Road find it extraordinary that a valued resource, with an excellent track record, which is valued and trusted, should now be threatened with closure."

The Friends are currently in the middle of a complaints process concerning the consultation process and also the way it has been conducted.

Worcestershire County Council's cabinet is due to meet at 10am tomorrow to discuss the proposals.