Campaigners rally support over Wirral day centre closure (From Wirral Globe)

Campaigners rally support over Wirral day centre closure

12:05pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Stephanie Cureton

Campaigners rally support over Wirral day centre closure

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save three threatened day centres from closure are calling on parents and carers to turn out for the council’s announcement over which one will be earmaked for closure.

Director of adult social care Graham Hodkinson will visit Heswall, Moreton and Eastham day centres on Monday discuss which one the council authority would prefer to close.

The controversial decision to close one of the centres was confirmed by councillors when they met to set the budget last Tuesday.

Hundreds of protestors had rallied at Wallasey Town Hall to fight against the cuts which also included a 2% council tax rise.

They also put together a special song called 'Stand Together' in a bid to boost their fight.

And now service-users and their carers are set to find out which centre is likely to face the axe before a three-month consultation is launched.

Leanne Walsh, whose sister Kerry attends Heswall Day Centre, said all families affected are worried ahead of Monday’s meetings with Mr Hodkinson.

She said: “We are all dreading it and we have no idea of which way it’s going to go – everyone thinks it will be their centre to be closed down.

“We know that, despite what they say, whichever centre is announced will be the one to go. The consultation is a legal requirement and it seems they are simply going through the motions.

“But we can’t give up hope and we need to keep fighting for no centres to be closed. We are encouraging as many parents and carers to come along to their respective meetings on Monday to show their support.”

Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said last week that every service user and their families would be given the opportunity to put forward alternative proposals within the consultation period.

Graham Hodkinson said: “On Monday, we will be announcing the preferred officer option for closure at a series of consultation meetings for users, carers and staff at Moreton, Heswall and Eastham day centres.

“The consultation on the preferred option will then continue until June 5.”