On 7th February, the Lib Dem run Cabinet at Elmbridge Borough Council are due to vote on a proposal from ‘Vital Village’ to take over the management of Thames Ditton Centre for the Community. This proposal does not include any provision for Dementia Services which operate out of the centre. On 26 January 2024, I wrote to the Lib Dem Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council asking that this vote be postponed until the Council could confirm a specific, guaranteed, alternative site for Dementia Services.
I have now received a reply from the Council that completely ignores the legitimate concerns local residents have about the future of Dementia Services under these proposals and confirms they will be ploughing ahead with the vote on 7 February 2024. It is outrageous that Elmbridge Borough Council is prepared go ahead with a vote that will put a much-valued service, that the most vulnerable people in our community rely on, in jeopardy.
I have written to the Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council once again to call on the Council to issue the details of an alternative site for Dementia Services and a clear timeframe to prevent any gap in provision, or postpone the vote on 7 February.
You can read my letter below.