Downland Day Centre is saved
A private firm has stepped in to save the day centre in Compton from closure
A DAY centre in Compton for elderly and vulnerable people has been saved from closure.
Downland Day Centre in Burrell Road, Compton, was shut for just three days before it was re-opened on Monday after Care at Home Limited, based in London Road, Newbury, stepped in to provide a care service.
The local community had rallied around the centre after West Berkshire Council decided to close it along with four other centres, as the council sought to address the spiralling cost of adult social care which had resulted in significant overspending of millions of pounds in recent years.
The Compton Village Hall Management Committee of Trustees assumed control of the building, and chairman David Morris began looking into ways of keeping the centre open, assisted by the Downland Volunteer Group, the Rev. Martin Cawte from Compton St Mary's Church, and several other local figures.
The trustees will own and manage the building and are looking to expand services at the centre.
A spokeswoman for Care at Home Limited, Emma Welch, said the firm decided to act when some of its clients who attended the centres spoke of their sadness at the decision to close them.
“We saw this and thought we would step in to keep it open,” said Ms Welch. “We have been doing domiciled home care for a number of years but thought this was an ideal opportunity.
“We will be holding coffee mornings and having them play games, cards and bingo, that kind of thing. We're also getting some fish in, so naming them will be a bit of fun. I've worked in old people's homes before and know that things like that can make a difference.”
Mr Morris said: “This centre is an important local rural facility for elderly and disabled residents and I am delighted with the developments. We are very grateful to the council for their support and advice and that we can still help to provide a vital service to this isolated rural local community.”
All staff are fully qualified healthcare professionals, and the centre has full disabled access with a walk-in bathing room.
The sessions, which cost around £35 and can cater for up to 12 people, run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-3pm, but if transport is required, clients will be picked up between 9am and 10am.
Anyone who wishes to find out more or to attend is asked to contact 01635 48953.
The other day centres are still in various stages of flux; Shaw Day Centre for older people, in Newbury, closed at the end of April, the Ormonde Centre for people with physical disabilities in Newbury is due to close today (Friday, June 17), Hillcroft House for people with mental health difficulties, in Thatcham, closes on June 24, and as yet there is no date set for the closure of Windmill Court Day Centre for Older People, in Mortimer.
