Local Liberal Democrats have said they will ‘turn up the heat’ on plans to shut day centres in West Norfolk, launching a petition against the closures and calling on the county council to rethink the policy.

Lib Dem activists were campaigning in Burnham Market last weekend, talking to local people about the under-threat day centre in the village and collecting petition signatures to keep it open. A petition has also been launched online to halt the closures across West Norfolk.

Additionally, a letter has been sent to David Harwood, the Conservative cabinet member for Adult Social Services at Norfolk County Council, asking a number of key questions about the day centres and describing the closure plans as ‘short sighted’.

The letter states: “I do understand that these economically tough times mean that local authorities must be careful about how they spend their money. It does however seem to be very unjust and short-sighted to withdraw the funding from these key facilities. I am therefore asking you to rethink these plans.”

Parliamentary candidate William Summers, who has written the letter, said the closures should not go ahead unless, at very minimum, a suitable alternative facility can be found for all users.

Commenting, William Summers said:

“Many older residents of West Norfolk rely on these day centres as their only chance to get out of the house and socialise. They are vital community facilities, and closing them down will change lives for the worse.

“Everybody knows there is pressure on public spending at the moment, but cutting day centres for older people, particularly in rural areas, is short-sighted and unfair. West Norfolk has a booming population of pensioners, and this hardly seems the best way of preparing for their future needs.

“Those responsible talk about giving people more choice about how their personal care budgets are spent, but where is the choice for pensioners who want to go to day centres if they have already been closed down?

“I have been talking to a lot of local people about this and I can tell you the general feeling is one of anger and disbelief. Somebody needs to have a bit of sense here and put an end to this craziness before it’s too late.

“The silence from the other parties on this issue is deafening, but the Liberal Democrats are determined to make a fuss about it and turn up the heat on the county council. I would encourage all those who share my concerns to add their name to the petition on my website at www.williamsummers.org.uk/daycentres.”

Tags: burnham market, day centres, norfolk county council

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