A relocation of mental health centres is set to go ahead after a challenge by cllrs was dismissed.

The support hubs are set to be moved from their current locations in Armley, Beeston and Lovell Park under cost-saving plans by the council.

Fears were raised that moving the centres would leave vulnerable people with too far to travel for support groups and well-being activities.

A Leeds City Council scrutiny committee also heard concerns over the consultation process used to carry out the shake-up of the Day Opportunities service.

Norman Forsyth is among users of the Stocks Hill service in Armley, set to move to Horsforth.

He told cllrs: “The council talks about being open. Honesty and integrity. We have seen none of that. How does anybody think Armley is local to Horsforth?”

The Stocks Hill service will move to the Calverlands Complex Needs Centre as part of the plans, which would save £500,000 this year.

The Lovell Park hub will relocate to Wykebeck Complex Needs Centre and Beeston’s Vales Circles hub will join Laurel Bank Complex Needs Centre in Middleton.

The Adults, Health and Active Lifestyles heard a “call-in” of the relocation plans, brought by Green Party cllrs with a specific focus on Stocks Hill.

Armley member Lou Cunningham, who led the challenge, said: “We know Armley is identified as a priority neighbourhood with an intense need for mental health resources.”

The council said there had been a fall in demand for the centres and there would be no overall reduction in the level of service.

Labour’s Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, said an extensive consultation process was carried out.

She said: “The strength of feeling from the consultation feedback is acknowledged, in particular from people who access the Stocks Hill hub.”

Other sites to provide support had been found in Armley and Wortley, the council said.

The Lovell Park and Vales Circles buildings could be sold off after they are vacated.

The scrutiny board had the option of referring the decision to the council’s executive board for reconsideration.

Instead, members passed a motion to release it for implementation.