Concern over plans to close The Grange day centre

The Grange building is to be redeveloped as a community centre

Campaigners fighting plans to close a day care centre for the elderly and disabled have voiced their concerns at a public meeting.

The proposal to close The Grange in Midhurst is part of a programme of changes by West Sussex County Council.

The local authority said adult day centres often had vacancies because people were choosing to use their care budgets to buy other services.

Unison claimed the council's argument was not supported by any evidence.

A three-month consultation is under way into the closure of The Grange, which will become a community centre.

Other centres affected are The Brooks in Pulborough and Harwood House in Horsham.

In future, people with dementia and complex physical conditions would be able to go to Rotherlea day centre in Petworth.

The council has said other services, such as lunch, social and arts and crafts clubs, could be provided by the voluntary sector.

The programme of changes are designed to save up to £1m a year.