Day service buildings 'could go'

The council said the plans were "the start of a genuine conversation"

Changes to day care in Surrey mean some buildings may disappear but services will improve, a councillor has said.

The county council has set out proposals to modernise day services for people with learning disabilities.

Under the plans, it would create four centres of excellence, with improved and wider-ranging facilities.

Those four bases earmarked for upgrades are Cranstock in Woking, Fernleigh in Walton-on-Thames, Bentley in Banstead and The Harbour in Milford.

'Genuine conversation'

Councillor Sally Marks, spokeswoman for adults and community care, said: "It is not centred on buildings - it is about what people choose to do, the support they get to do it and how they live their lives.

"The programme of improvements we have drawn up means that some buildings may disappear but services will be improved."

She said the plans did not mean a decision had been made, but they were "the start of a genuine conversation".

Community services could be expanded with gardening, office, leisure, education, volunteering and work experience activities, the council's head of adult social care Dave Sargeant said.

The proposals will be considered by the adult and community care committee on Thursday.