St Ives Day Centre closes

26.03.2010  Andrew George MP has expressed his sadness at the closure of the Age Concern Day Centre in St Ives today.

Mr George, who visited the Day Centre last week, is backing calls for an urgent review into Government policy for the care of the elderly.

He said: “I regret the decision to close the St Ives Day Centre. However, I remain keen to work with local people and organisations to explore any ways to re-establish a functioning day centre for older people before the lease is handed back later this year.”

Mr George is also making enquiries about the Trust Deeds which are apparently mislaid and which many local people believe provides evidence that the site was originally bequeathed for the benefit of the people of St Ives and should not be sold by Cornwall Council and that benefit lost for other purposes.

“It’s time we carefully reviewed the way in which we care for our older people. All parties agree that it is better to give those older people who prefer to, the option of being able live independently in their own homes. It reduces the State care budget as well. However, as people become older, more frail and less able to care for themselves, it is vitally important that they are given the support that they need and deserve and do not become isolated. Retaining the support and services of day centres like that in St Ives is therefore vital,” added Mr George.