A CARE provider has suspended its local authority from accessing the centre due to what the provider claims is ‘unnecessary and disruptive behaviour’ from officials.

The Post reported last week that Cornwall Council had launched an investigation into Bowden Derra Park, Polyphant, after the council said there have been ‘a number of allegations made about the care people receive’ — although it confirmed no one is at immediate risk of harm.

Bowden Derra Park is a family run organisation that offers support and care for adults with learning disabilities, and last week representatives said matters under investigation by the council included administrative record keeping and the modest fee non-service users pay to use the hydrotherapy pool.

However, on Monday, the care provider announced it has suspended Cornwall Council from accessing its care provision, stating ‘the decision follows persistent intrusive and disruptive behaviour from council officials, which is impacting on service users’ care’.

Representatives for the care provider said there have been ‘weeks of unfocused and disruptive visits by council officials’. The care provider said although it had submitted a ‘detailed official response to the council’s allegations’ on February 17, and that there had been two subsequent meetings, ‘the council has failed to provide a response or justification for its ongoing investigations’, and that council officials are ‘jeopardising the delivery of safe care for the vulnerable adults it supports’.

David and Judith Cash, directors at Bowden Derra Park, said: “We are incredibly proud to provide an exceptionally high-quality care service for the people we support, which we have been doing for over 35 years. This has been clearly acknowledged by family members of the people living at Bowden Derra Park.

“We have patiently endured weeks of unfounded, unfocused, and irrelevant investigation by Cornwall Council, who have chosen to ignore the evidence we submitted more than two weeks ago. It has now become increasingly clear that we must take steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of the people we support from these spurious allegations, which do not relate to direct care whatsoever.

“Council officials, whose presence have at times prevented the smooth running of the service and the delivery of care, must not be allowed to act with impunity.

“We have therefore suspended Cornwall Council’s access to Bowden Derra Park as far as this investigation is concerned. We will continue to welcome all families, friends, loved ones and the local authorities we work with. This includes allowing access by Cornwall Council to carry out genuine individual care reviews of the residents we support.

“We are privileged to be trusted by so many families to care for their loved ones, and remain grateful for the exceptional support they have shown us during this difficult period. As it has been since day one, our absolute focus remains on continuing to provide excellent care, independence and a fulfilling life to the people we support.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “The council is continuing to work with partners and the owners of Bowden Derra Park to investigate the allegations which have been raised about the service which is being provided for residents. Our priority is to make sure people are safe and cared for.

“We are currently reviewing the information which has been gathered to this point to decide if the allegations have been substantiated. Once this process has been completed we will be working with the provider, and partners to put in place any improvements that may be required.”