Bridgnorth day centre is spared axe – for now
The Innage Lane day centre in Bridgnorth will be spared the axe while a review into its users is carried out, it was announced this afternoon.
But two adult day centres in Shrewsbury – the Hartley's centre in Monkmoor and the Sabrina Court centre in Longden Coleham – will close in a shake-up of Shropshire Council's adult day care services.
Two centres deemed "no longer fit for purpose" in Oswestry – Avalon and Lorne Street – will also be closed once a new facility is opened.
No decisions have yet been made about the location of the new facility, but options include the possibility of using the former Willow Street medical centre building.
The decision was taken by Councillor Tim Barker, cabinet member for adult services, at a meeting behind closed doors at Shirehall in Shrewsbury today.
About 20 placard-waving protesters gathered outside the council's headquarters to demonstrate against the proposed closures.
Among those protesting were representatives from Age UK, the Shropshire Seniors and anti-cuts group Shropshire Fights Back.
Age UK's chief executive, Heather Osborne, said: "I think this is just too important a decision to be made behind closed doors. Older people who go to these day centres have a real need for social contact, I don't think there are suitable alternatives in place."
But Councillor Tim Barker said: "The proposals are about meeting their needs in a different more positive way. That may still include going to a day centre, but could also involve a variety of other activities too.
"Some people have interpreted these proposals as meaning people would stop receiving care. This is not the case."
According to a report to the meeting, the changes will lead to a 40 per cent reduction in staff.
Councillor Barker also approved plans to outsource two support services for disabled adults – Community Living and Shared Lives. The future of the Kempsfield residential home in Shrewsbury, will also be reviewed, with one option seeing it sold off.
