“Day Centre would be used by a third of the town”

Despite the dreadful weather, a packed public meeting last night called to reopen the Ann Holloway Day Centre, or create a similar facility elsewhere in the town, to be used as a multi-functional community hub.

Dozens of people joined county and town councillors at The Royal Oak where The Community Haven, a new organisation set up by carers, called for the town to unite behind their bid to create the much-needed facility that, they claim, will be used by over a third of the town.

In an emotive presentation, Laura Hares said that the town was “crying out” for the Ann Holloway Day Centre to be reopened where it could be used by a range of organisations catering for the young, elderly, families, or just individuals feeling lonely.

“We were really pleased with the turnout in the awful weather and we received so many positive offers of help and acknowledgements of support,” said Laura.

“So many people seemed really interested in the ideas and we have a box full of suggestions and responses to go through from the evening which we really look forward to reading, we really want this to be a community effort and we will need the support of the many for this to work.

“There were many passionate people there from so many walks of lives, from our community, our council and so many charities and other organisations that unfortunately it wasn’t the opportunity to give people the chance to speak from around the room without losing the ethos of the meeting.

“But we are offering drop-in sessions on September 27, from 11am-1pm, and October 4, from 11am-1pm, in the snug at the Royal Oak for people to come and have their say, ask questions and get behind us. “

Laura (pictured on left with fellow Haven members Dylan Thomas and Hayley Pugh) fears that the Day Centre, which was closed by the town council last year due to escalating running costs, could be lost “to other bidders who don’t intend to use it to start such services for the town”.

“That building should be a hub at the centre of our community for those it was purchased to serve as the responsibility for day services rightly or wrongly was passed with it.

“By working together with the town council, Powys County Council, other charities and groups, social services and the health board, we could proactively offer services that meet the needs of so many in our community to end the isolation so many face and support those who need it most.

“And if for some reason the Ann Holloway centre is not going to be an option for reasons beyond our control then we will be the only town who purchased their day centre from Powys County Council and surely a responsibility for a duty of care will fall back at their feet and they should look at providing another alternative?”

In response to our video news report on the Day Centre earlier this month, the town council sent us the following statement:

“Elections meant that the final full council meeting of the old council was held on Monday, March 14, and it was agreed that decisions regarding the centre would be better made by the new council members.

“Statutory processes over the following months and five new councillors brought us to the summer.

“There are several potential partners who have the qualifications, skills and experience to deliver a day care service and we plan to hold a meeting, as early in October as possible with these agencies, social services and our MP Craig Williams.

“We look forward to being in a position to update Welshpool residents as soon as possible on the outcome of these strategic business discussions.”