RESIDENTS living near an under-threat day care centre have today added their voice to a campaign to save its future.
RESIDENTS living near an under-threat day care centre have today added their voice to a campaign to save its future.
The Crabbe Street day centre provides a lifeline for pensioners in Ipswich and users are distraught at the prospect it could be closed if proposed Suffolk County Council cuts go ahead.
But it is not only the older generation who are concerned. Ipswich Borough councillor Neil MacDonald went out on the streets of California, around the day centre, on Saturday - asking residents of all ages to sign a petition aimed a saving Ipswich's day care centres.
He said: “I didn't have anyone who said they wouldn't sign it.
“Most people understand they'll be old one day and then they'll need these services in the future.
“It shows the strength of feelings and that people don't want these day centres to go as they know they won't come back.
“I have met people who are carers who are looking after their relatives and value their respite time when their elderly relatives with Alzheimers and dementia use Crabbe Street.
“They think their parents have a good standard of care and are happy, so it works for everyone.
“But this current uncertainty doesn't help, the county council could be clear about their intentions because nobody knows what is going to happen which means people get stressed - especially people with dementia.”
Mr MacDonald said he now plans to take the petition, which includes around 200 names, to the county council at the end of the month after more Labour councillors collect similar signatures in other wards where day centres are threatened.
The service is under threat as the council looks set to axe services in a bid to save a huge £12.2million from its adult care and community services budget.
Mr MacDonald said: “Obviously the county council has to budget but they can prioritise and they should prioritise day centres and services for elderly people.”
Weblink:
www.suffolk.gov.uk/CareAndHealth/OlderPeople/DayCareOlderPeople.htm
n Are you worried that cuts to social services will affect you? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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