Centre for elderly set to close

A Gloucester day centre for the elderly is to close as part of a change in the way care services are provided.

Woolstrop House in Quedgeley will shut in August to allow construction of a new care home with specialist places for people with dementia.

The centre's 37 current users will be given payments to spend on visiting new facilities while their centre is shut.

Clients will be fully supported during the months before and after the closure of the centre, officials said.

Individual interests

Mark Branton, Gloucestershire County Council's director of strategic commissioning, said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to reassure our clients, their families and carers.

"We will fully support them in every away to ensure they are taking part in activities and services that meet their individual interests.

"Where possible, we will make sure that future arrangements allow clients to continue to meet up with the friends they have made at the centre."

Users have been invited to discuss the proposals at one of two meetings at the centre on Thursday 28 February, at 2pm or 6pm.

Informal discussion sessions have been arranged during the first week of March to help identify people's interests and preferences.