A BOARD of trustees who closed a 'vital' centre have spoken out about their decision.

Last month, staff were left "broken hearted" for their vulnerable customers following the sudden closure of The Disability Resource Centre, located in Glan Clwyd Hospital grounds. Administrators were on site on Tuesday, January 30.

Staff were made redundant from The Disability Resource Centre on Thursday, January 25. Sue Edwards, who had been at the centre for more than 20 years, was kept on until Friday, February 2.

Speaking on her last day to the Journal, she said: "I just need to go home. We are all totally in shock. We had paid all our bills. 

"Now this process has started, there is no going back.

"One of our customers offered us a £5,000 donation. We started a fundraising page [this has sadly now been pulled] but there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm, and you can understand, people feel flat. Myself and my other colleague are being forced into retirement, we wanted to stay here a few more years.

"It wasn't just a job, it was more than that."

Another staff member, who asked not to be named, said how difficult the last week had been for staff.

She said: "Aside from our own financial worries and uncertain futures, we have been exceptionally concerned for our customers. We not only have people visiting the shop for help and advice but we have customers who regularly have their scooters repaired/serviced by us along with those who need 'rescuing' when their scooters break down. We make sure they get home safely and then deliver their repaired machines back to them.

"We do specialist car adaptations. Apart from a very small business in Dyserth, there is nobody else in North Wales who do this. Not to mention the work we carry out for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) hospitals, both on and off site."

In a statement, the board of trustees said: "It is with deep regret that the board of trustees of the North Wales Disability Resource Centre have had to make the difficult decision to cease trading with immediate effect.

"All staff, many of whom having worked at the centre for many years, have been informed.

"The board would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers for their loyalty over many years. Over the next few days customers, whose equipment, goods are at the centre, or who have placed orders, will be contacted and necessary arrangements made.  

"This regrettable action has been taken because of the growing concern with regard to the financial situation of the centre.

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"An insolvency company has been engaged to undertake the necessary actions after closure."

The board is in the process of being dissolved. 

The centre, a lifeline for many, had been running for 25 years. It provided mobility aids and equipment for people with disabilities, sensory impairments and chronic conditions.

The mobility shop, workshop and offices offered short term wheelchair hire to sales, installations, vehicle adaptations and more. 

The centre covered areas / had customers in Rhyl, Prestatyn, Flint, Holywell, Mold, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Bangor.