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.
Those running Dementia Services and people who attend the centre are concerned that there will not be a seamless transition from the current service to a new model if Elmbridge Borough Council’s Cabinet approves the ‘Vital Village’ proposal without confirmation of a specific, guaranteed, alternative site for Dementia Services. It would be irresponsible to sign off on any new proposal until such alternative provision has been secured, in order to prevent any gap in the service used by the most vulnerable in our community.
I have written to the Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council asking for the vote to be postponed until the Council is able to confirm the details of an alternative site for Dementia Services, and a clear timeline to prevent a gap in provision. You can read my letter below.