It’s a black day for Welshpool with news that the Ann Holloway Day Care Centre is to close, coming hot on the heels that the town’s skate park will be axed.
Welshpool Town Council said that the “difficult decision” to close the centre, used by the elderly, was taken at their full council meeting, and will take effect from November 30.
Town Mayor Councillor Steve Kaye said: “This has been a very difficult and complex decision to make, but due to the lack of clients both from Powys and private clients, the unlikelihood that clients will return before the middle of next year 2021 and the inability to rent rooms out for the foreseeable future, it is not economically viable to keep the day care centre open.
“There is obviously a considerable reduction in income this financial year and as Powys County Council will not be paying any further grant, together with the loss of the Burgess Land Trust grant, this has considerably affected our budgets and future income forecasts.
“In addition, the cost to repair the boiler is expected to be upwards of £20,000. The staff have been informed and consultation on making the majority of the posts redundant has begun.”
The Council agreed that the Meals on Wheels Service will continue from the kitchen at the Town Hall, noting that a new location many need to be found in time. The kitchen will receive a deep clean and environmental health will be invited to carry out an inspection.
The health board, the church and the chiropody clinic will be informed of the council decision. Options for alternative accommodation will be offered by the Town Council where practical.
The Mayor continued: “We very much regret having to make this decision and are concerned about the future of the clients we served both from Powys and our private clients. Powys County Council are looking at revised working models and smarter ways of working with the elderly population of Powys. I would like thank the staff, clients and others who have contributed to the life of the day care centre and wish that the decision to close did not have to be made.”