Issue - meetings

This report advises of the petition received relating to the Yearsley Bridge Day Centre closure, provides an update of progress on the closure plan and asks the Executive Member to consider whether a formal response to the petition is needed.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Adult Social Services note receipt of the petition concerning closure of the Yearsley Bridge Day Centre and the update on progress with the closure plan.

Decision of the Executive Member for Adult Social Services

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To update Members on the receipt of the petition and closure plan.

Consideration was given a report, which advised Members of a petition received relating to the closure of the Yearsley Bridge Day Centre together with details of progress of the closure plan.

The report followed receipt, at Full Council in September 2007, of a petition with just short of 5000 signatures relating to opposition against the closure of the Yearsley Bridge Day Centre.  It was reported that closure of Yearsley Bridge was due to be completed in 2008 and that this was in line with the reconfiguration and modernisation of day services as a response to the Government paper “Valuing People”.

Consultation had been focussed on the options for new support to replace the Centre and this had been carried out through meetings with all service users, their families as well as their supports. It was reported that officers of the Council would continue to officer support to all those involved.

Officers confirmed that the aim of the reconfiguration and modernisation of the day services had not been monetary savings but social inclusion. They referred to the consultation process, which had been commenced in 2002 and confirmed that closure had been agreed in 2005. It was confirmed that a hydrotherapy pool was planned for the Oakland’s site, which would hopefully be completed by the summer of 2008.

Certain Members expressed sadness that users would lose friendships and the social side of their visits to Yearsley Bridge. Officers stated that these should continue as part of the new commissioning structure. In answer to Members questions Officers confirmed that check back meetings had now been held with all people that currently use the Centre.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Adult Social Services note receipt of the petition concerning closure of the Yearsley Bridge Day Centre and the update on progress with the closure plan.

Decision of the Executive Member for Adult Social Services

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To update members on the receipt of the petition and closure plan.