FORMER users of a day centre and their carers who campaigned against its closure are taking legal action to try to block the council from selling it.

Crownfield Day Centre, in Crownfield Road, Leytonstone, was closed by the council last month despite opposition from users, in order to meet government guidelines on the personalisation of services.

When the cabinet decided to close the centre last September, it had 77 users who were offered alternative centres or activities in other parts of the borough and in Newham, but some are less than satisfied with the alternatives.

A group of carers and users, going by the name of the Silver Warriors group, has taken legal action preventing the council from making modifications to the building without notifying the court, in an attempt to block the council from selling the building.

The group said it may fight the council in the court to try to get the centre re-opened.

Sue Pond, 61, of Windsor Road, in Leyton, whose 85-year-old mother Audrey, attended Crownfield, said: “The injunction says that the building must be left in the same state so it can be used as a day centre again, unless the court is notified.

"If we can take them to court then we will, but we are still gathering information and will take advice from our solicitor.

"The way the whole thing has been handled has been terrible.”

Ms Pond sais she has stopped taking her mother to the Morley Centre in Billet Road because she is concerned about overcrowding.

She added: “My mother used to really enjoy going to Crownfield. There was always somewhere quiet to go and was much more space. It was purpose-built, whereas Morley Centre looks like a converted office.”

Anne Rajput, 64, of Chingford Road, in Walthamstow, whose 80-year-old husband, Prajivands, used Crownfield also, said: “The Morley Centre is overcrowded and I don't know whether there's enough staff to be doing the job properly.”

A cabinet report released last year said increased choice and control has improved the quality of life for service users who have chosen alternative facilities to Crownfield.

A Waltham Forest Council spokesperson said: "We know how difficult it can be for older people and their carers when services change and the Council has tried its hardest to manage this process as sensitively as possible.

"We will be talking to Morley Day Centre users to find out why they are unhappy with the service provided.

"We are in discussion with service users and carers to listen to any further concerns regarding Crownfield Road they may have following the April 27 ruling at the Royal Court of Justice.

"Throughout this process we have worked hard to address service users' and carers' concerns and we are determined to deliver the best possible service to all the people in our care."

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