Children's services chief calls 'put down' disabled children comment 'cruel and ignorant' (From This is The West Country)

Children's services chief calls 'put down' disabled children comment 'cruel and ignorant'

4:00pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Cornwall

The director of children's services at Cornwall Council has branded comments by a Wadebridge councillor that disabled children should be put down, "cruel and ignorant".

The reaction comes after councillor Collin Brewer was kicked out of the independent group at County Hall over his comments in 2011.

Theresa Court, advice services manager at Disability Cornwall, said she remembered Mr Brewer asking what the stall was about and after she explained to him about the parent partnership service he said disabled children should be put down.

He said they cost the council too much money.

Mrs Court said the comments made her feel physically sick.

Cornwall’s director of Children’s Services, Trevor Doughty, said: "As director of Children’s Services for Cornwall Council I am shocked and disappointed by the remarks made by councillor Brewer.

"The comments were cruel and ignorant and are contrary to the council’s policy of supporting all people with disabilities.

"We are very proud of the disability services provided in Cornwall and wish to totally dissociate ourselves with these completely unacceptable views."

Speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, Mr Brewer, when asked why he made the comment, said: "I was hot under the collar. I don't know why I said it.

He added that he was aware at the time that some peoplem were being sent out of Cornwall, and that it was "costing the county a lot of money.

And that while he said it to "get a reaction", he did not get the reaction he wanted, as Mrs Court turned her back and walked away.

Mrs Court has said the "depraved comment" left her "absolutely horrified".

Mr Brewer said he wanted to apologise to her and "everyone else".

He added that he knew he had "done wrong" and that he would go home and "consider" whether to resign, and that he "may not" stand again for a council seat.

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