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Date
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Nov 05 - Jan 06
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Aims
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The Council wanted to consult residents about its proposals to review services for older people.
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Methodology
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Some 40,000 consultation leaflets were distributed to households in Spelthorne. They were also made available at day centres, libraries and sent to partners and relevant voluntary groups. This was part of an extensive consultation exercise that included five roadshows and two public meetings.
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Response
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A total of 750 written responses were returned. In addition
- approximately 500 people attended the roadshows
- 300 people attended a public meeting at the Benwell Centre and 200 at the Stanwell Day Centre
- five petitions were handed in.
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Main Findings
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Those that responded were against the closure of the centes with most support for 'saving' the Benwell Centre from the written responses and 'saving' the Stanwell Centre from the petitions. Key comments from residents included:
- the need to market the centres more
- the importance of day centres for social contact
- the need for local facilities
- the need for more facilities as the population ages
- concerns about the loss of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Sunbury
- the opportunity to charge a modest membership fee
- Spelride is a vital lifeline
Further details:
Report to Executive on 25 April 2006
A copy of the consultation leaflet can be viewed here
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Further information
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The Executive approved revised proposals following the consultation exercise. Key changes included:
- Building extra care housing on the Benwell site in partnership with a specialist housing developer and Surrey County Council. This to include a day centre activity space and hobby rooms. The day centre to be staffed and developed by the Council and linked to the Greeno Centre. In the interim it is proposed to retain Churchill Village Hall as a place for older residents to meet and participate in activities.
- To continue to work with the North Surrey Primary Care Trust on the feasibility of building a new health centre / library and community cafe on the Stanwell site, with a report back to the Executive in Oct/Nov 2006. In the event of this not being feasible, to pursue the original proposal of releasing the site for affordable housing and relocating Stanwell Library, together with a community cafe to the Clare Road shops
- The Council will continue to operate the first floor of the Staines Community Centre for the community
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Contact
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Liz Borthwick, Assistant Chief Executive 01784 446376
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