After months of uncertainty, five day centres for the elderly, including one in Lancaster will remain open, Lancashire County Council has confirmed.
Vale View had been part of a council review by into the facilities it runs.
At a cabinet meeting this week, a recommendation that will see the authority work with those who use the service, carers and communities to design future services was approved.
The report recommended a ‘strengthened, co-produced approach that puts people, carers and communities at the heart of designing future services, while meeting statutory duties and supporting long term sustainability.’
They’ve now endorsed the development of a new Adult Social Care Model of Care, including co-production with people who draw on care and support, carers, providers and other stakeholders.
The plans will be developed over the next few months and looked at again in September.
In February, Lancashire County Council confirmed that there were no plans to close any of the five in-house residential care homes undergoing a strategic review, but the future of the day centres remained unclear until this week.
People who use services, carers, families, staff, community groups, residents and providers were invited to share their views through a public consultation held between October and December last year.
It received 1,622 questionnaire responses, alongside letters, emails and feedback from stakeholder organisations.
Speaking at the meeting, County Councillor Graham Dalton, member for adult social care, said: ‘’This was a genuine consultation, we need to move on to an eight week programme of co-production, working with the people to whom we deliver this care.
‘’This is a pivotal moment, this is not about change being done to people, it's about working together as equals to build something stronger."
A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: ‘’This is part of our overall plan to improve adult social care in Lancashire in response to the findings of the Care Quality Commission.
‘’Responses to the consultation highlighted these services as essential lifelines — especially trusted staff relationships, familiar routines and being close to home.
‘’Around 76% of respondents disagreed with the reprovision proposals, with concerns often focused on how change was presented rather than improvement itself.
‘’People were clear that any future changes must meet individual needs, maintain or improve standards of care and keep support close to home. Many also said they needed to see what a better local alternative would look like before any decisions are taken.
‘’Any future proposals will be developed with people and communities, and guided by Equality Impact Assessments and other checks, to make sure improvements are safe, fair and focused on what matters most.
‘’Importantly, there will be no change at this stage to the care and support people currently receive.’’
Helen Coombes, Executive Director Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our priority is that people in Lancashire can live well and independently for as long as possible, with the right care and support around them when it’s needed.
“Every decision will start with people’s experience, protecting relationships, continuity and support close to home, and focusing on key areas like dementia care, reablement, respite, supported living for younger adults and community-based day opportunities.
“We’ll work openly with people to develop options, and we won’t bring proposals forward without understanding local impact and completing the necessary assessments."
Hundreds of people have signed a petition to save Vale View from closure.
Lancashire County Council said the sites have been identified for detailed scrutiny due to concerns around their condition, safety, and long-term viability.
But campaigners, including the Lancaster MP Cat Smith, say that View Day Centre has been a lifeline for many older residents, offering daily activities, days out, and a vital source of friendship and support.
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