Day centre set to close

Users of an older people’s day centre in Ludlow that is at risk of closure have accused Shropshire Council of showing a lack of empathy.

The Helena Lane Day Service will be closed should Cabinet approve a report that it has been asked to consider on Wednesday (June 10).

While Shropshire Council has no plans to close the building, it is proposing to end the day service that is used by five people three days a week.

The centre currently provides a building-based day service for older people, offering structured activities, social interaction, personal care – including assisted bathing – and respite for unpaid carers.

But the council said the low numbers of people using the facility mean it is recommending closure to save around £151,378 a year.

The report prepared for Cabinet details that the service is currently used by five people at an average cost of £332.82 per day they attend.

The council’s finance and improvement overview and scrutiny committee will first consider it on Monday (June 8) before making any recommendations to Cabinet.

The authority has admitted the proposal was met with clear and sustained opposition from users and families during a consultation earlier this year, but said the way the facility currently operates is “poor value for money” and “difficult to justify”.

However, the Helena Lane Day Care Alliance – formed by service users, carers and family members – feel let down by a council.

In a statement sent to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the group say there has been a total lack of empathy or understanding of the impact a closure would have.

“We would challenge any of the Cabinet members to reflect on what the impact of the closure would have on themselves if they or their families utilised the service – social life taken away, those few hours of respite knowing your loved one is in safe and capable hands removed, the frustration of the lack of conversation or consultation or effort to find an alternative, more cost effective and accessible option,” they said.

“We appreciate the need for cost reduction and efficiency but, should this impact the moral and ethical responsibility the elderly and those with severe disabilities in our community? And by taking away this service, what percentage of the deficit will this actually fix? And what is the broader implication on cost of moving those who can be support in day centres, both now and in the future, expediate the need for full time care, at a greater cost?”

A petition opposing the closure has been signed by 1,252 people, and will be presented to Cabinet at Wednesday’s meeting.

Shropshire Council say it was only received at midday on Thursday (June 4) and the correct legal and governance procedures have been followed throughout the consultation process.

“We recognise and acknowledge the concerns of residents and service users with regards to proposals to close the adult day centre service at Helena Lane in Ludlow,” said Heather Kidd, leader of Shropshire Council.

“The proposals to close the adult day centre service have been made following a robust public consultation with residents, service users, carers, partners and other key stakeholders, during a two-month public consultation period.

“We received 53 responses overall, 27 chose to answer questions specifically about Helena Lane, and we are grateful to everyone who shared their views.

“The feedback received forms an important part of the report that will now be considered through the council’s democratic process. All service users and their families or carers were offered the opportunity to discuss the proposals with senior managers as part of the consultation process.

“Alongside an online survey for users/carers and a survey for professionals, alternative response options were advertised.

“An easy read survey was available. Responses could be provided by email, post or drop off to a council face-to-face site.

“Members of the public were offered the opportunity to telephone or email to request accessible options and support to respond if the easy read was not adequate to meet needs.

“Day centre users were directly invited to share their views though a letter informing them of the consultation. Drop-in sessions were held for people to ask questions and have a discussion. The results of the discussion sessions were included within the consultation report alongside the two surveys.

“Shropshire Council has responded to correspondence from concerned residents, whether via letters or Freedom of Information requests. Again, we wish to thank residents for their views and feedback.”