CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that the state of Illinois has the authority to close a center for people with developmental disabilities.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports U.S. District Court Judge Marvin Aspen’s 55-page ruling is a setback for parents of children served by the Warren Murray Developmental Center in Centralia.

The parents sought a preliminary injunction to block the closure of the center serving 250 residents.

But Aspen concluded the plaintiffs didn’t prove they would suffer irreparable harm by the closure.

Rita Winkeler heads the Murray Parent Association and says she’ll consult with the group’s attorney about a possible appeal.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Human Services says the ruling will help the state move from an “outdated system” of caring for the developmentally disabled.

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