Council orders child abuse review

Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council have both ordered the review in the face of mounting pressure from politicians and activists.

Last week Chad reported how former Forest Town man Mickey Summers had claimed a ‘cover up’ after records from his own time in care in the 1960s were destroyed.

Mansfield MP Sir Alan Meale and Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero both called for a full enquiry after it emerged that complaints had been made from former residents at Skegby Hall (pictured) in Ashfield and the Laybrook Care Home in Mansfield.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping has also called for an investigation.

Announcing the review, Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Alan Rhodes said: “This is an issue of the utmost importance. We jointly agreed with the city council, police and the Police and Crime Commissioner that an independent review was needed and it is right that this review is carried out as soon as is practically possible.

“For my part, I see how hard colleagues are working to protect our children and to investigate allegations of wrong-doing in the past. I do accept, however, that we need to provide assurance that the system protects children now and ensures that any allegations of past abuse are investigated properly.

“If we find any wrong-doing or areas where we have fallen short, the public need to be assured that we will not hesitate to take swift and appropriate action.

“Throughout all of this we are committed to acting in a timely and transparent way. I am currently writing to all local MPs so that they are fully up to date with the review and can express their views. We have also offered briefings to all county councillors.

“It is also important to say that children’s social care services are unrecognisable today compared with even 20 years ago. Councils now operate differently and under much tighter controls and are monitoring by Ofsted and independent Safeguarding Children Boards.

“There are clear local and national imperatives for us to understand the failings of the past and restore trust and confidence in our child protection system and agencies.

“Any form of abuse is unacceptable and I would urge anyone who has suffered in any way to come forward. You will be listened to and action will be taken.”

Pensioner describes Skegby Hall abuse ordeal .Full story CLICK HERE

Pressure builds for historic child abuse probe. Full story CLICK HERE

Cover-up allegations of former children’s home resident. Full story CLICK HERE