Day centre avoids closure

Vulnerable elderly people have received an early Christmas present after finding out their day centre has been saved.
By David Sharman
Published 28th Nov 2013, 09:39 BST
Pauline Baldwin and Coun Sue Fazackerley outside the Church Road Day Centre, in St Annes, which has found a new site on Clifton Drive South.Pauline Baldwin and Coun Sue Fazackerley outside the Church Road Day Centre, in St Annes, which has found a new site on Clifton Drive South.
Pauline Baldwin and Coun Sue Fazackerley outside the Church Road Day Centre, in St Annes, which has found a new site on Clifton Drive South.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the Church Road Day Centre, in St Annes, had been threatened with closure because the rents on the property had become unaffordable.

But now the service, which provides vital respite for carers of elderly dementia sufferers, says it has found a new venue at the Clifton Dance Academy, on Clifton Drive South, in the town.

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It is hoped the group will be able to move there in time for the New Year.

Pauline Baldwin, from the centre, said: “We’re delighted.

“We’re going to stay here until Christmas and then hopefully going to move on.

“It should all work out very well.”

Around 25 people currently attend the centre, mostly aged in their 80s and 90s.

It runs five days a week and takes in members from as far afield as Kirkham and Cleveleys.

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It offers a place for older and vulnerable people, particularly those with mental health needs, and enables them to socialise with others so they do not become cut off and lonely.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies was among those to back a campaign to find a new home for the centre.

Mr Menzies said: “This is a service which is very close to people’s hearts as it has been running for many years in St Annes and has helped so many people.

“When I heard it was in trouble I wanted to do everything I could to try to help them find new premises and was delighted when I heard they had found a new home.

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“I understand they will be able to continue uninterrupted in the new venue and offer the same excellent service which they always have.

“While this has secured the service for the foreseeable future, I know they are always looking for new clients to make use of what is on offer to ensure they can keep running and if anyone feels a member of their family would benefit from this kind of service I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Coun Sue Fazackerley, who represents St Annes’ Central ward on Fylde Council, added: “I’m thrilled for them.

“They got a small stay of execution and now they’ve been able to secure this site. It’s really good news.”

For more information call (01253) 782743.

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Related topics:The GazetteSt AnnesFylde