AN elderly Hadleigh man who was left without home carers for a month is today being looked after again, but is now facing the possible closure of a day centre that he attends.

AN elderly Hadleigh man who was left without home carers for a month is today being looked after again, but is now facing the possible closure of a day centre that he attends.

Sid Brown, 88, was one of a number of people who were affected after the care company that was looking after them was forced to pull out of the town.

Suffolk County Council's social services department tried desperately to replace them but a lack of carers in the county meant people were left without anything for weeks.

The twice-daily visits from carers have now been reinstated but, in the same week, Mr Brown has been told that the Angel Court day centre in Hadleigh is one of a number of social services' day centres that are under threat.

Margaret Davey, Mr Brown's daughter, said: “I'm glad he has his carers sorted out but it's a pity that it took something going in the paper before anything was done.

“I'm still very annoyed about the way people are being treated. The latest thing was this letter from social services about the future of Angel Court being under review. It's just one more thing that's being closed. Unless we fight we will lose the lot.”

Users of the Angel Court day centre have been sent letters from the council outlining various options for the future of the centre, including it being taken over by private providers, and are being asked to make their views known.

Daphne Meteer, 84, of Tayler Road, Hadleigh, also uses the centre.

She said: “I have Parkinson's disease and I go there once a week. It's my only day out and it means so much to me.

“I can sit and play bingo or do my knitting. I would not like it to change at all, I'm quite happy with it the way it is.”

Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for adult and community services, said:

“The council has arranged a new contract with Care UK, a care agency, so that people in Hadleigh will get the home care they need.

“The council's cabinet will be asked on September 5 to begin a consultation on the future of the day centre at Angel Court, one of 14 across Suffolk.

“Proposals include several options, but if changes are decided upon, the council is determined that there will be no loss of service to anyone who is assessed as needing support from us, unless and until a suitable alternative is available."

WEBLINK: www.suffolk.gov.uk

The other day care services earmarked for change are:

Angel Court, Angel Street, Hadleigh.

Blyford, Blyford Road, Lowestoft.

Cherryfields, Gippingstone Road, Bramford.

57 Crabbe Street, Ipswich.

Haverhill Day Centre, Camps Road, Haverhill.

Hawthorn Drive, 218 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich.

Peddars Day Centre, Peddars Close, Ixworth.

Lehmann House, Church Terrace, Wickham Market.

Mills Meadow, Fore Street, Framlingham.

Queens Road, 108 Queens Road, Felixstowe.

Paddock House, Wellington Road, Eye.

Stradbroke Court, Green Drive, Lowestoft.

The Dell, Nelson Way, Beccles.

Wade House, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket.