THE head of a specialist autism unit worried about the impact of proposed cuts has been reassured there is “no threat to its future”.

The Cedar Centre, based at Heathfield Community Centre, offers one-to-one support for ten students and is widely acknowledged as a success in meeting its young people’s needs.

But centre head Stuart Owens says a possible reduction in funding has “set alarm bells ringing”.

He said: “We aim to provide the best educational experience for our students.

“In setting up the centre we worked in close partnership with the county autism team.

“We have established a centre philosophy and working practices that are proving very effective in supporting these vulnerable students.

“The present level of provision is essential in helping these students to succeed and prepare them for a positive role in the wider community.”

Mr Owens said Somerset County Council proposals to cut staff numbers and hours they work would have “a serious impact”.

Heathfield head teacher Pete Hoare said: “The centre is a very successful facility in meeting the specialist needs of these students.

“It has seamlessly become an integral part of the school community and embraced its inclusive culture and ethos.

“We will galvanize all the support we can to fight any threatened cuts.

“It is impossible to successfully deliver such a specialist provision with fewer resources than we currently have.”

Rachel Gilmour, who is standing for the LibDems in Taunton in May’s General Election, praised the centre, which she recently visited.

She said: “We cannot allow these proposed cuts to impact on this most valuable work and the obvious progress these students are making.

“I will do all that I can to support them in resisting any cutbacks.”

A county council spokesman said: “Bases like the Cedar Centre are a key part of Somerset’s approach to supporting children and young people with autism spectrum disorders.

“There is no threat to the future of the Cedar Centre or the other bases within Somerset, but we need to make sure they are working efficiently and within budget.

“That is why we have been working with schools to make sure there is an even distribution of funds to meet the needs of children, and a consistency in the approach to support staffing.”