No threat to Link lifeline

Oldham Council
RUMOURS about the uncertain future of an essential service for the disabled have been blamed on “dreadful mischief-making by people who should know better.”

That was the verdict of Councillor Jackie Stanton who met with 50 people and carers who use the Link Centre to set the record straight after five members of staff took voluntary redundancy.

The Union Street centre provides services to help the disabled live independently.

However, Councillor Stanton, the council’s deputy leader, said rumours that provision such as physiotherapy were going to end were untrue. Fears that the cafe was to close were also unfounded.

Instead, it will be run by a business — rather than the council — in a bid to save £80,000.

Councillor Stanton said: “The meeting gave me an opportunity to put the record straight and give a formal assurance that all existing services would continue.

“Similarly, I could offer a guarantee that no-one’s individual care package would be reduced because of funding reductions.

“Our policy has been to find our savings by being more efficient, not by cutting individual care packages.

“The vast majority of the people who attended the meeting were happy to accept my assurances.

“I talked to a lot of people after the meeting and they thanked me for the detailed explanation and reassurance that had been given.”

Labour’s Phil Harrison said services were being damaged and there had been a lack of consultation.

But Councillor Stanton added: “Quite frankly, the Link Centre is Oldham’s best-kept secret.

We need it to be a place where the disabled and elderly can go for any service they require.”