Future of Llanidloes day centre raised in the Senedd
Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, Russell George MS, has asked on the Welsh Government to intervene in the future of the Sylfaen day centre in Llanidloes, which supports adults with learning disabilities, during a Senedd statement marking the International Day of Disabled People.
Earlier this year Powys County Council announced that the day centre would close, before revising its position, confirming that only part of the building in which the centre operates from would now be retained, with the day centre continuing to operate.
Campaigners have argued that the Council should retain the full building, and that the Sylfaen day centre is needed to support the increasing demand, also pointing out that there is currently a waiting list to use the service.
Mr George’s contribution followed a public meeting hosted by Llanidloes Town Council on Monday, (1 December), which he attended alongside families of those that are supported at the centre, and other local representatives. The meeting agreed to ask the council to pause negotiations on leasing out the other half of the building and to carry out a formal consultation on the centre’s future.
Mr George pressed the Welsh Government’s Social Justice Secretary and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt MS, on Tuesday (2nd December) to examine Powys County Council’s plans for the centre.
Speaking during the statement, Mr George asked the government minister to set out how the Government is supporting and funding local authorities to support services for adults with learning disabilities, such as the Sylfaen day centre in Llanidloes.
Speaking after raising in the Senedd, Mr George said:
“There was a good turnout in Llanidloes at the public meeting this week. Family members of those who reply on Sylfaen spoke out powerfully about what the centre means to them. The meeting called for a pause on the negotiations the council are currently having to lease out part of the building, as the meeting agreed the full building should be retained for the use for the Sylfaen day centre. I was pleased Cllr Pete Roberts, the Cabinet Member responsible, and senior council officers attended, and we now await their response.”
“Sylfaen provides vital support to adults with learning disabilities and their families. It is difficult to understand why Powys would reduce the facility when demand is rising and there is currently a waiting list of people wanting to attend the centre. I asked the Minister to look closely at this decision and to set out how the Government is supporting councils to maintain and improve provision for people with learning disabilities.”
Responding To Russell George in the Senedd, the Cabinet Secretary Jane Hutt MS said:
“Thank you for raising that, Russell George. I did hear about the public meeting last night at the Sylfaen centre in Powys.”
“It is important that we find out what does suit and work for disabled people. I hope that the meeting last night will lead to consideration of the way forward for that community and for those people affected.”
Russell George MS, added:
“I was pleased that at lest the Minister was aware of the public meeting this week hosted by Llanidloes town council. We are now awaiting a formal response from Powys County Council on the requests that came forward from the meeting.”
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