Protest as Shrewsbury adult day centres axe gets go-ahead
The decision to shut two adult day centres in Shropshire was today branded "rushed and undemocratic" by protesters.
The Hartley's centre in Monkmoor and Sabrina Court in Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury, will close as part of cuts agreed by Shropshire councillors at a behind closed doors meeting.
But another centre in Innage Lane, Bridgnorth, was spared the axe while a review is carried out.
Two Oswestry centres deemed "no longer fit for purpose" – Avalon and Lorne Street – will also be closed once a new facility is opened, possibly at the former Willow Street medical centre building.
Protesters, who stood outside Shirehall with placards during the meeting yesterday, said they were unhappy at apparent secrecy and a lack of consultation.
Age UK's chief executive Heather Osborne said: "I think this is just too important a decision to be made behind closed doors."
She added: "A lot of carers value these centres because they allow them respite."
Ann Wilde, chairman of the Shrewsbury Senior Citizens Forum, added: "They did have a consultation and they were supposed to listen but they totally ignored us."
The council says the number of people using day centres is falling as more take up individual care packages. According to council figures, 463 people used day centres in July compared to almost 600 last year.
The changes will also involve outsourcing two support services for disabled adults – Community Living and Shared Lives. The future of the Kempsfield residential home, in Shrewsbury, will also be reviewed.
Councillor Tim Barker, cabinet member for adult services, said: "These proposals are not about no longer meeting the needs of individuals or families. Rather, the proposals are about meeting their needs in a different, and in our view, more positive way."
According to a report, the changes will lead to a 40 per cent reduction in staff.
Shropshire Council's Labour leader Alan Mosley had called for a commission to review the plans.
