NEWS that a number of day centres, that were under threat of immediate closure, are set to remain open for now has been cautiously welcomed by Montgomeryshire AM Russell George.

Mr George, who visited day centres in Llanidloes, Machynlleth and Newtown, had urged the council to think again.

In his response to the formal consultation, Mr George had argued that the day centres provided hugely important services which should be maintained, and that a full assessment on the consequences of day centre closures on other health services in Powys should be carried out first.

The council’s Cabinet on 20 December resolved to keep all day centres open until a full review has been undertaken.

Extra money will now be made available in 2017/18 to allow day centre activity to continue in existing localities while an early intervention service is trialed and evaluated.

While this work takes place, the council is expected to continue to talk to town and community councils who have shown an interest in partnership arrangements for funding or management of day services.

Mr George said: “I welcome the stay of execution which day centres have been given by the announcement from the county council’s Cabinet. I’m pleased that the local authority has listened to concerns put forward by thousands of people during the consultation period.

“While we’re not out of the woods quite yet, at least the announcement will give town and community councils and other potential partners an opportunity to assess whether they are able to come up with a workable solution which will safeguard our day centres for our older population, many of whom rely on the services provided."

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