Plans to close day-care centres

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The council says day-care centres are becoming less popular

Northumberland County Council has defended its plans to close seven day-care centres.

The proposals involve giving elderly people "personal budgets" to spend on activities of their choice, rather than attending the council-run centres.

The authority says the scheme is in line with government policy of encouraging self-directed support.

But Age Concern Northumberland said the centres should be kept open so elderly people could attend if they wish.

The council plans to close centres in Amble, Bedlington, Blyth, Ponteland, Prudhoe, Hexham and Haltwhistle.

Pensioners who use the facilities are taken by minibus to socialise with people of their own age.

Marie McWilliams, from Age Concern Northumberland, said: "In an ideal world it's a really good idea, you give loads of choice to people and let them decide where they spend their money.

"The difficulty is closing day-care centres. If someone then wants to go to that centre but it's no longer there, how's that increasing choice?"

Northumberland County Council said traditional day-care centres were becoming less popular and that many elderly people wanted more choice about where they could spend their time.

A consultation period on the plans is now under way, with a decision is expected in autumn.