MORE than 500 people have now signed a petition calling on Thurrock Council to reconsider its proposed plans to close day centres for older people in the borough.

In particular the petition champions the cause of the day centre at Kynoch Court in Stanford-le-Hope in the wake of conflicting reports.

A meeting of the council's health and well-being overview and scrutiny committee last week heard the centre in Stanford was not wanted by residents at the sheltered housing complex and that it was taking facilities away from the use of residents.

This has since been denied by residents, who have reacted angrily to comments by leading officers and councillors, calling them 'a pack of lies'.

The petition can be found via this link.

It opposes the "proposed closure by Thurrock Borough Council of a community daycare centre which has been running for over 20 years in a purpose-built area with in Kynoch Court for the residents of Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham and Fobbing.

"A centre which provides quality care, activities, cooked meals and Social Interaction for those with various disabilities including Dementia.

"It also provides essential respite for unpaid carers as well, this Daycare Centre is a benefit for all the family who are very much treated as part of the care team family and are welcomed by the residents of Kynoch Court."