Report 'unclear' (From Penarth Times)

Report 'unclear'

A BRAND new report on the future of the 'lifeline' Gardenhurst Day Centre for the Elderly has left local residents confused.

The report on Day Care Services in the Vale of Glamorgan follows a consultation process held by the Conservative-led Vale Council back in March looking at the possibility of closing down the Penarth site.

The consultation document had said that closing the Holmsdale Place centre would "enable the council to reduce running costs, and release funds that can be utilised to invest in the physical environment of the remaining facilities for vulnerable people."

However, support for the centre during the consultation was strong, and local Labour councillors presented a 950-strong petition to the local authority.

But following the latest written report, Vale Councillor Janice Birch, Labour, also on Penarth Town Council, said: "The latest report recognises 'a firm wish for a community facility to be based in Penarth' and promises 'further consultations to determine its precise nature'.

"Yet the newest report also points out that 'the closure of Gardenhurst would release funds which could be utilised to enhance all day care services'. It also repeats the promise of luncheon clubs and care in Barry."

She added: "The money released by the sale of Gardenhurst could not possibly be retained in Penarth to buy or build a new purpose-built day centre, it would have to return to the Council Finance department which has enormous demands on it."

Cllr Birch warned: "By prolonging the process the council causes stress, worry and disappointment among Gardenhurst's vulnerable clients. Promises deferred have already made some respond to the consultation with remarks like 'I don't suppose we'll make any difference, they've probably decided already'.

"Penarth people would like some firm evidence now that they will not lose a useful facility and gain very little."