Day centre closure 'catastrophic' for families

Sophie Ticehurst says the closure of Linden Court is "devastating" for families

Families have spoken out about the impact of East Sussex County Council's (ESCC) decision to close a day centre.

Linden Court in Eastbourne provides specialist disability care services for 44 people and it will be shut in June as the county council aims to save £1m from its adult social care budget.

Sophie Ticehurst, who has been leading a campaign against the closure, said it is "devastating".

East Sussex County Council says it will "continue to work with individuals and their families affected to ensure a sensitive transfer to the alternative provision provided".

Ms Ticehurst adds the next closest day centre is Beeching Park in Bexhill.

"This has caused a dilemma. My brother Jack is severely disabled and his needs are quite high," Ms Ticehurst added.

"Jack has become familiar with staff members and surroundings in Linden Court.

"He has his routines and going to Beeching Park means he'll need to re-adjust and this will be very stressful for him."

Tania Bilton, whose son Tim uses the service, said she has endured "sleepless nights" over the closure.

"Linden Court has been Tim's life for 23 years. Many people might not cope with the change," the 65-year-old added.

"Tim has autism, epilepsy and anxiety. If Tim goes to a new day centre, this means he needs to be reassessed and this will take time."

Ms Bilton added that her son can present "behaviour challenges" if he undergoes new routines.

Connor Winter, councillor for Bexhill St Marks ward, said closing Linden Court is "absolutely catastrophic".

"The cabinet's decision is one of the darkest days in the county's history," he added.

"The knock-on effect is going to put more pressure on Beeching Park."

ESCC has plans to open a care service in Eastbourne but it will only be for two days a week and for up to 15 adults a week.

Both Ms Bilton and Ms Ticehurst said this is not a long term solution.

The county council confirmed Linden Court has been referred to the ESCC People Scrutiny Committee on 17 March.

The committee cannot overturn the decision but it can "refer it for reconsideration or make amendments".