A purpose-built respite care centre for disabled children will remain empty until at least September.

Plans to re-open Manor Green Residence in Cox Green later this year have been confirmed but the Royal Borough's director of children's services Cliff Turner said it will only function at less than half capacity due to a 'lack of demand'.

The 4.7million centre closed in July, just 10 months after it first opened, following a funding shortfall of more than £200,000 after two other councils called time on using the unit.

They baulked at a dramatic hike in overnight fees from £40 to a 'market rate' of £350 per child.

Mr Turner said borough councillors pushed for the increase to avoid subsidising 'what we offer our neighbours with our own council tax payers money' despite the centre's feasibility plan relying on other councils using it.

He added beds could have 'easily' been sold to London boroughs but councillors wanted a 'local resource for local residents' although there was a lack of demand for beds in the Windsor and Maidenhead.

At least eight of the 24 beds in the unit will be used for overnight respite care under new plans. The PCT will continue to use four beds and another four will be used by borough social care services providing spaces for between 15 and 20 children on a part-time basis.