Madam,

I read in last week’s Cambrian News that the Abbeyfield Society has taken the decision to close Jasper House in Aberystwyth in the near future.

The reasons appear to be a lack of numbers, and the costs of repair and refurbishment.

I am writing to express my deep concern that this appears to be cut and dried.

It seems remarkable that at a time when such initiatives should be booming, the society feels the need to close down this much-loved building. It may be that it is not currently viable, but that is not surprising given the few people currently in residence.

Whilst I would not wish to imply that the closure has been planned for some time in secret, the fact that such little notice has been given makes me suspect that this is indeed the case.

What is needed is a long-term strategy for this place to continue to offer a much-needed resource for people wishing to lead semi-independent lives in a close community.

It is surely not beyond the wit of the organisation to find six or seven people wishing to continue their lives with some degree of security.

It is hoped that the society at the very least allows enough time for a new trust to be established that will enable Jasper House to remain an asset to Aberystwyth.

Two months’ notice of the home’s closure, if that is indeed the case, seems remarkably short and callous for a society that claims to ‘make time for older people’.

I believe that it would be possible to continue to offer such a service at no loss to an appropriate provider. However, it will take time to organise the purchase, governance and management and financial system.

I hope that the people of Aberystwyth will support the efforts being made to save this place for the community.

Yours etc, Charlie Falzon, Derwenlas.

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