Closure fears over Derby's Morleston Street day care centre

The last remaining day care centre for the elderly in Derby could close because of spending cuts.

The city council has said no decision has yet been made to shut Morleston Street day centre, near Osmaston Road, but it is considering a range of options.

The Labour-run authority said if the centre was closed it would not affect people's entitlement to support.

It added that the service could be provided by its residential care homes.

The centre provides care for elderly people who need looking after during the day time, including specialist care for dementia sufferers.

'Statutory responsibilities'

Morleston Street took in patients from the Whitaker Centre when that was closed in 2011.

Caroline Gallagher's mother will have to move again should the plans go-ahead.

Mrs Gallagher said: "They promised they would keep [Morleston] open after the closure of Whitaker Road, and, now, they're going to close it."

Mark Tittley, cabinet member for adults and health, said in a statement: "Due to government cuts we are unfortunately having to look at a number of options in relation to council services.

"Looking at alternative models for day support will not affect the entitlement to support of individual customers. The council will continue to meet its statutory responsibilities.

"However, no decisions have been made in relation to Morleston day centre, and all options will be looked at in detail by council cabinet in open session."