Under-threat day centre to be discussed

Date published: 12 January 2009

COUNCIL bosses and service users will meet to thrash out the future of the Highbarn Day Centre this week.

The proposed closure of the Royton facility, which provides front-line services for dementia sufferers, has proved controversial. Users and their friends and relatives have written to the Chronicle in their droves to express their disgust at the moves.

The council announced the potential closure as one of a series of moves designed to slash their £17.3m budget deficit, with some youth centres also expected to fall victim to the cuts.

A number of relatives and users are expected to attend the meeting after the council sent out letters detailing the consultation plans.

Paul Davies, service director for adult and social care; and Camilla Guerecas, chief executive of Oldham Personal Advocacy Limited (OPAL); are also expected to attend.

And representatives from Age Concern will act as advocates for service users on the day.

The sessions will take place at the Link Centre on Wednesday, between 10am and noon; Thursday, 7-9pm; and Friday, 10am-noon. Age Concern is asking anybody who would like their views to be represented but who are unable to attend the meeting to call them on 0161-633 0213 and ask for Yvonne Lee or Carol Richards.

Alternatively, write to Age Concert Oldham, 10 Church Lane, Oldham, OL1 3AN or e-mail chiefexecutive@oldham-ageconcern .co.uk