Dear Sir,
Proposals to close Day Centres including The Oaks at Aycliffe were subject to public consultation and the County Council agreed on 12th September to close five to be relocated in the local Leisure Centre.
Reasons given were savings of £466,000 each year from a need by the government to comply with directives to provide services in the community. There was also a 25% drop in attendances at Day Centres and some were operating at half their capacity.
About 450 people will be affected including those with physical and learning difficulties. Concerns were discussed about appropriate facilities, access, adequate toilet provision in the Leisure Centres which will presumably be addressed when relocating the service.
I hope when properly provided for it proves to be a beneficial and positive move plus an enrichment of the provision in the community.
Don Fraser
Woodham
