Rotherham opposition councillor questions day centre closure decision

The centre is one of five set to close at the end of the month, despite a number of petitions and protests against the decision.

During a question and answer session at today’s full council meeting (March 10), Councillor Brian Cutts, of the Rotherham Democratic Party asked Councillor David Roche, cabinet member for adult social care and health why the centre has been earmarked for closure, and what would happen to the building.

Councillor Roche told the meeting that since a consultation was held into learning disability services four years ago, the council’s objectives were to modernise the services, provide more choice, provide activities as close to the person as soon as possible, and provide more flexibility, personalization.”

“We’ve given detail those particular reasons, many, many times over the last four years,” Coun Roche told the meeting.

“People and families told us they expect support and services to be more person-centred, flexible and available in the day, evening and weekends, and as close to where the person lives as possible.

“People and families wanted more opportunity to contribute and be part of mainstream life and fewer and fewer new service users, wanted to use those daycare centres.

“Until all the users have been assessed and moved on, we cannot make a decision about the land or the building.”

Coun Roche added that feedback from day centre users had been “very positive indeed, and that there are currently 14 people using the services at the centre, with a further 12 expected to return after shielding.

However, Coun Cutts responded that after having his lunch at the centre “several times”,”it’s totally beyond me” how “anybody can assess the circumstances that it requires closing.”

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