DESPERATE parents and children attended a rally in a bid to save special school services.

A crowd of parents, teachers, pupils and political parties joined forces in Eastbourne town centre to campaign against funding cuts proposed by East Sussex County Council.

Maria Bonwick, whose 13-year-old autistic son Alfie attends Cuckmere House in Seaford, spoke at the rally.

The pharmacist technician from Peacehaven said: “Alfie’s school is being forced to close Tower House, where the children access after-school activities and have the opportunity to stay overnight. Alfie said to me ‘I’m just a kid with autism, no one cares about me’.

“It was important for us to attend the rally to show him there are people out there who care about what happens to him.

“What these children need help with is their social skills, they have to learn how to be in a social setting.”

Mrs Bonwick said the funding cuts at Cuckmere House were already affecting her son as trusted members of staff are beginning to leave ahead of redundancy.

MP for Eastbourne Stephen Lloyd spoke at the rally on Sunday.

Mr Lloyd said: “This is an incredibly important issue.

“I have been told by parents almost in despair that they feel they will be forced to put their children up for foster care.

“Although they love their children, looking after a very disabled child 24/7 with no respite, which is what will happen, is driving some of these parents to think the unthinkable.”

Mr Lloyd’s message to the council was clear. He said: “You’re a Conservative county council, it is a Conservative Government, if you cannot pick the phone up and call your colleagues then what is the point of you?”

Cuts in Government funding have meant the council has had to make £110 million savings since the start of the decade and a further £17 million this financial year.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently consulting on proposals to change the way after-school and holiday clubs based in special schools across the county are run.

“Although not something we have a statutory duty to provide, we have historically funded these clubs.”

The proposed funding cuts were drawn up by ESCC following discussions with special school headteachers and the East Sussex Parent and Carer Council.

Parents and carers have until Wednesday, May 30, to share their views on the council’s website when the consultation period will end.

Have your say at https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk.