Has decision been made already..?

Who are the members of the oddly-named “task and finish group” which made the recommendations about the Tamarisk? Does this suggest, in spite of other promises, that the decision to close the centre has actually already been made?

I have recently become a member of the Tamarisk and am amazed at the very busy and happy atmosphere, the wide variety of activities available, for many of which there are waiting lists. It is in a very central location, is easily accessible and is a great place to be.

With an ever-increasing elderly population, for whom we keep hearing how important it is to have a good quality of life, it would be ludicrous to close the centre.

It is particularly important for lonely and isolated people to have contact with other members of the community, especially those of a similar age. The alternative, ultimately, would mean reliance on already heavily stretched health facilities and, therefore, a much poorer quality of life.

What proof is there that a mobile service, instead, would be cheaper in the long run?

Would it not be possible to provide services just for those unable to attend the centre?

How about sharing the responsibility of the centre with the county council? As I’ve said before, most people regard town, district and county as “the council”, few care about the administrative divisions. Ultimately, all is paid for by the taxpayer, whether central or local government.

What do we have to do to keep the Tamarisk open and how can we guarantee that there will not be the apparent deception which manifested itself in the hospital decision?

Margaret Boulton

St Mary’s Close

Littlehampton