Day centre to close (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Day centre to close

7:30am Tuesday 26th February 2013 in Harwich and Manningtree News

A DAY CENTRE given a rescue package to save it from closure is now shutting its doors less than a year on.

Foundry Court Day Centre, in Ironside Walk, Manningtree will close and the residents that use it taken to other services in Clacton and Colchester.

Lawford, Mistley and Manningtree councils, and the Friends of Foundry Court gave money towards the centre and the Foundry Court Lunch Club to help keep both services open.

In total, including a grant from Tendring Council Big Society Fund, £25,000 was given, which funded a new co-ordinator for a year.

But it was revealed this week the day centre would close and the Lunch Club would be outsourced.

Essex County councillor John Aldridge, cabinet member for adult social care, confirmed the closure.

He said: “After a considered review, Essex County Council has decided to close the day service which is currently only used twice a week by very few people.

“I would emphasise that any changes would not mean that service users would not get a service - rather that service users would be offered alternative day care or be provided with personal budgets which gives them choice and control.”