A NEW centre to support people with autism could be on the cards in Thurrock.

A motion calling for plans for a centre to be explored was tabled by Labour councillor Angie Gaywood, who has an autistic son, at the last full council meeting.

Cllr Gaywood, who revealed that there are around 1,500 people in the borough who have been diagnosed with the disorder, said: “The number of children, young people and adults with Autism in Thurrock is rapidly increasing and their needs will be unable to be sufficiently met unless we consider something which could provide a multitude of support, skills and care.

“Parents of children with autism have asked for a safe haven where their children, as adults, will have a permanent home, a transition between home and moving towards independent living and also lead a fulfilling and enriched life learning additional skills, rather than be placed in an institutional environment outside of the borough.”

Councillor Gaywood urged the council to work with the Autism Trust who aim to provide networks of outreach centres for the sufferers of the condition.

Several councillors spoke in favour of setting up a centre, including deputy leader of the council, Val Morris-Cook.

She said: “ We need to not be afraid of tackling this and really go for it.”

Fellow Labour councillor Diana Hale, the portfolio holder for Education, also backed the motion, but expressed some concern.

She said: “I like the concept of an autism centre but worry we may be to small a borough to go it alone.”

Her concerns were not shared by Labour colleague Lynn Worrall who said: “Because we are a small borough, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be aiming high.

“We might be small, but we are as good as everyone else, and we deserve it.”

The motion, which called for officers across council directorates to work with The Autism Trust to investigate the potential for a centre, was carried.