The story in the press last week that reported “day care centres could have fully re-opened in Powys – if the demand was there” has been challenged by many constituents on social media.
James Evans MS said:
“I, along with many constituents, question the claim that demand for day care centres is low. Many are struggling to get referrals or places at day care centres. There has clearly been a plan to re-purpose Arosfa day centre for some time with many suspecting the Lib Dem/Labour run Council want to turn Arosfa day care centre into office space. If demand was that low, why have Brecon Town Council and Brecon County Councillors pushed for a day centre to be included in the new housing development off Free Street just a street away from the current Arosfa building?
“The Lib Dem/Labour run Council should be advertising to promote the day centres and fast tracking referrals through. Only then can you make an informed decision on the model of day care centres needed.
“These day centres are lifelines for many, sometimes providing the only form of social interaction during the week. They take the pressure off the carers/family for a few hours and that can mean the difference between coping and not. These day care centres need to be opened up, and accessible without the need for a referral. The services run by Powys County Council for our elderly population are few and far between as it is. Many rely on services run by charities and volunteers, who are struggling for funding and premises. If the Lib Dem/Labour run Council don’t want to operate the day centres – they should gift over the buildings to charities before creating more office space to allow them to sell off Neuadd Brycheiniog.”
