DAY care centres for the elderly are set to close due to expected traffic congestion during the Olympics.


Around 40 users of three centres, which provide respite for carers of those with dementia and other health problems, recently received a letter from Waltham Forest Council warning of the eight-week closures.
 

They are located close to routes to Olympic venues which are expected to be very busy during the games.
 

Dames House in Dames Road, Leytonstone, is considered to be too close to Wanstead Flats, where police will be based throughout the Games.


Glebelands day care centre in Church Road, Leyton, is situated on what is expected to be one of the busiest parts of the Olympic Route Network.
 

The centres will close on or around July 25 and reopen on September 17.
The council originally planned to close Baytree House in Dells Close, Chingford, which is on the route to the Lea Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Abbey.
 

But a spokesman said the authority has since reviewed staffing arrangements and believes the unit can now be kept open.
 

He added: "We’ve spoken to service users in person and also explained the situation to their carers and loved ones as well as informing them in writing.
 

"We are also offering home visits to people who want or require them and have been working hard across the board to make sure our most vulnerable residents get the help and support they need during the Olympic period.
 

"We know that the people who visit the centres - be it for lunch, a game of bingo or simply a chat with their friends - really value them, so we’ll be reviewing the situation on a daily basis and doing everything we can to minimise disruption."

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