Campaigners fight to save 'lifeline' dementia centre

Families are campaigning to save a "lifeline" dementia centre which is set to close.

Dudley Council axed Crystal Gateway Dementia Centre in Amblecote last month as part of its budget to save £500,000 a year.

The centre offers an outreach service to those living with dementia and their carers, as well as art, knitting and choir sessions for an hourly fee.

Dozens of people gathered outside the purpose-built centre to call on the council to reverse its decision and a petition has so far attracted 2,360 signatures.

Leader of the Conservative-run council Patrick Harley said the authority would move to a model used by Wiltshire Council where services are provided in the community.

He said the decision was tough as his mother and 75-year-old uncle, Bob Beattie, were living with the condition.

Mr Beattie's wife Marilyn said she went to Crystal Gateway when she reached "crisis point" and they had been using the service for three years.

"I'm distraught, it has been a haven. The only other options are two centres but one is £80 a day and the other is £40 a day.

"I want to know that I can take Bob there, he's happy and stimulated, and I can have some 'me time'."

The authority has faced financial challenges and approved £42m of savings as part of its five-year strategy last month.

Harley said: "I believe that families will come round to accepting that there are better options than just a building such as the Crystal Gateway.

"It's extremely difficult and there's a personal attachment there with several family members going through this awful disease.

"I fully understand the concerns of the users but I am convinced, having had detailed briefings, that this is a better way."

Families who use the centre said they only found out days before the decision was made at a full council meeting on 24 February.

Harley said the budget proposals were "very much well publicised and consulted upon".

Lisa McDonnell, whose dad Howard uses the service, started a petition to persuade the council to reverse its decision.

"We are devastated, as are the other users, carers and employees. Everyone is so devoted to the place," she said.

"For my parents it has been a lifeline as my dad has gone downhill. We need to put a stop to the closure. The only criticism I have is that not enough people know about it."

Labour's Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge and Dudley, called for the decision to be paused.

She said: "I think this should be put on hold and spread that word that this wonderful facility is here to support local people."

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