Petition to save Eastbourne day centre for disabled

Linden Court, in Eastbourne, was included in East Sussex County Council’s list of proposed savings to fill its forecast budget deficit of £55.3 million for the year ahead.

Under the council’s proposals, the centre, which has a wildlife garden, art workshop, on-site allotment and training kitchen, would be closed for good.

However, a petition has been started by Sophie Tice in the hopes of saving it.

It reads: “Please help us to be heard in trying to save Linden Court day centre which is a vital and valuable service for adults with a range of disabilities.

“East Sussex County Council is trying to close this day centre as well as many others due to a funding gap.

“Linden Court provides service users with a sense of belonging and feeling valued within a community environment.

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“It provides routine and structure, new opportunities and stimulation. This list is truly endless.

“It also helps to support families in continuing to care for their loved ones within the family home environment, it really is a lifeline.

“Please sign this petition to support some of the most vulnerable, they need your help.”

Comments on the petition, which currently has nearly 300 signatures, called the service “vital” and “desperately needed”.

The council has also earmarked other services for closure, including The Phoenix Centre in Lewes, which provides day care to adults living with dementia, strokes and other age-related health conditions.

The Phoenix Centre in Lewes could also close (Image: Google) Last month, the council addressed its “substantial and growing gap” between costs of services, needs of residents and the council’s expected income.

It said the dire financial situation is due to “a rapid escalation in both demand and costs”, specifically children’s social care, special educational needs and disability, home to school transport and adult social care.

It said the county’s demographic has a “significant impact” due to the high numbers of over 65s and over 85s which brings a “higher need for care and support”, leaving the local authority “at a tipping point”.

Other factors include high levels of deprivation and low resources.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex County Council said: “We understand people will be concerned about any possible changes to valued services and we will consider the petition when it is received.

“A public consultation about the potential changes to social care services will start shortly and we encourage people to give their views so that councillors fully understand the impact any savings will have.

“It is important to say that no decisions will be made before the responses to the consultation are received and analysed and alternatives to closing services will be considered.

“In addition, if the present arrangements were stopped, alternative services would be offered to those people with eligible needs under the Care Act, although these may be met in a different way or through a different service.”