Council chiefs are to reconsider pulling funding from Market Drayton’s only permanent day care centre in a move which could save the site for elderly residents.

Last week it was revealed that the day centre situated in the town’s Woodcroft Nursing Home could be forced to shut if Shropshire County Council withdraws its funding support, sparking widespread concern

Residents and councillors are worried about the cash decision as the day centre in Prospect Road is a lifeline for older people.

Today, county Councillor David Minnery revealed he had spoken to the county council portfolio holder and other members over the funding plans.

He said: “They have agreed to reconsider the action previously taken after I explained the position to them.”

He said while it was not a guarantee that the day care centre would not shut it was a step in the right direction towards safeguarding the service.

A Shropshire County Council spokesman said: “A representative for both Coverage Care and the county council has met with day service users and a second meeting is planned.”

Market Drayton town councillors this week demanded a special meeting to discuss plans to axe the centre amid claims they were not consulted.

They have called for the portfolio holder Councillor Barbara Craig and all local county council members to come to a special meeting to explain. Councillor Val Taylor said: “I have heard rumours that the Woodcroft Day Centre could be closing due to lack of funding. I want to know why we weren’t consulted about this.

“This is a massive issue for Market Drayton residents,” she said.

“We all know of people who rely on that service and we may need to use it ourselves as some point but it looks like it won’t be there for us in the future.”

Councillor Debbie Parker added: “People have been phoning me. This is their only lifeline in Market Drayton.”

By Oliver Cartwright