MP supports fight for day care

Thank you for writing to me about the proposed closure by Age Concern
Cheshire of its Day Centres in Eddisbury.

I was shocked to learn of this proposal. This type of service is vitally important to the elderly who use it to socialise with their friends and enjoy various organised activities. I vehemently oppose any closures and I voiced my concerns when I visited Age Concern's Tarporley Day Centre last Friday afternoon to see the excellent work for myself which we mustn't see lost.

I have made urgent representations to both Age UK's Chief Executive at UK-wide level as well as each and every Trustee of Age Concern Cheshire imploring them to look again at this crass and insensitive proposal which will cause real hardship to those who deserve so much more. I have raised this matter formally with Jill Walter, ACC's Chief Executive and am ensuring she and the Trustees and the Age UK Chief Executive are aware of your objections, concerns and outrage.

I have also made a formal complaint with Age UK (which is the umbrella charity recently formed by the merger of Age Concern and Help the Aged) on behalf of all of the residents who will be affected by this proposal. This is an insult to the many volunteers who give up their time and skill so selflessly.

Please be assured that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the day centres remain open – but I am appalled at the apparently cavalier way this proposed decision is being sought to be rammed through.