Nascot Lawn families are taking their fight to the High Court in a bid to prevent its closure.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has applied for a judicial review of Herts Valleys clinical commissioning group’s (HVCCG) decision to close Nascot Lawn.

Partner Alex Rook said: “HVCCG has failed to undertake a consultation with families before reaching this decision.

“We believe HVCCG has not properly considered its legal duties before reaching this decision, and our clients say had they properly understood the impact on these very vulnerable children and their families they would not have made this decision.”

HVCCG withdrew £650,000 of funding from the centre, which provides respite care for children with complex health needs, as part of £45 million of savings.

Herts Advertiser: The families of Nascot Lawn presenting their petition to Herts county council in Hertford. Photo: FRASER WHIELDONThe families of Nascot Lawn presenting their petition to Herts county council in Hertford. Photo: FRASER WHIELDON (Image: Archant)

David Josephs, a leading campaigner against the closure of Nascot Lawn, which his son Dominic uses, said: “I absolutely support the decision to seek a judicial review.

“It is desperately sad it has come to this, but I think there was no other option. HVCCG has placed them into an impossible decision.

“Parents with these kind of difficulties have had to fight for their kids since they were diagnosed.

“They are fighters, and they will fight as hard as they can.

“I think this really pays tribute to everyone who works at Nascot Lawn, as it shows how hard we are prepared to fight to preserve it.”

Irwin Mitchell’s application will be heard in the High Court this autumn.

Nascot Lawn will remain open during the court case.

A HVCCG spokesperson said: “We are aware there is a submission to request a judicial review of the decision Herts Valleys CCG has made about the future funding of respite care at Nascot Lawn.

“We will, of course, participate fully in this legal process and, as you’d expect, our solicitors are involved.

“At the same time, we continue with the process we have embarked on with the families and their children, to carry out full assessments of their needs. “We are also in dialogue with the parents and indeed are pleased to be currently firming up arrangements for a further meeting with a group of them next week.”