LISTEN: Pensioner, 94, speaks out amid uncertain future for Lancaster day care centre

Bob Dixon, who visits Vale View Day Centre four times a week, said he'd be "very sad" if the centre was to close.

Vale View is one of 10 homes and day care centres in the county indentified as part of a Lancashire County Council review of services for older people and adults with disabilities.

The county council said Vale View is under "detailed scrutiny due to concerns around its condition, future safety, and long-term viability" but "no decisions have been made" about its future.

Mr Dixon said: "It's very important because I need it. It's one of the things I need to do.

"I lost my wife, my own children are looking after me very well, but I need to come here to make sure I still live a life."

LISTEN to Bob Dixon, his son Kevin Dixon and Councillor Mandy Bannon talking about Vale View Day Centre

Kevin Dixon, Bob's son, said: "It's a lifeline for Bob and for lots of people in the area.

"He's 94 and still manages to live independently. Without Vale View Day Centre that would be much more difficult.

"There's lots of activities that go on there, there's the social interaction, and the staff are excellent. He'd be lost without it, really.

"Without it, he'd be confined to his own home most of the time, and it probably wouldn't be long before he had to go into full-time care, I would have thought."

A public consultation has been launched to gather views on the future of the county council's in-house adult social care services.

Lancaster City Council has been asked to respond as part of this consultation.

Councillor Mandy Bannon, the city council's cabinet member for communities, well-being and partnerships, said Vale View was "a unique service" and "the only day care centre of its kind in the Lancaster district".

"It's absolutely vital it stays open," said Councillor Bannon.

"People can come every weekday, get involved in activities, stimulation, lovely food and companionship. It's a lifeline for people.

"If work needs to be done, and it's too expensive to refurbish this building, then please, please continue this service somewhere else.

"But please don't close the service, that's the message we're getting from users of the centre and families."

The Reform UK-led Lancashire County Council said they decided to initiate a strategic review of services for older people and adults with disabilities, "with a focus on ensuring high-quality care that is sustainable and meets the changing needs of residents".

They said the consultation will "look at a proposed evaluation framework to assess the services against, which covers four key areas including service delivery, service quality, market availability and workforce, and value for money".

As part of the review, 10 services "have been identified for potential accelerated reprovision due to being outdated and requiring significant investment to bring to a reasonable standard".

They include five older people's residential care homes - Favordale, Colne; Grove House, Adlington; Milbanke, Kirkham; Thornton House, Thornton Cleveleys; and Woodlands, Clayton-le-Moors - and five Older People’s Day Centres - Byron View, Colne (attached to Favordale); Derby Centre, Ormskirk; Milbanke Day Centre, Kirkham (attached to Milbanke); Teal Close, Thornton Cleveleys (attached to Thornton House); and Vale View.

County Councillor Graham Dalton, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: "This consultation is a really important opportunity for service users, families, staff, communities and stakeholders to share their views and help shape the future of adult social care in our county. 

"We do understand that this is an unsettling time for residents, their families and staff at these sites while this review takes place. 

"For that reason we have pledged to handle the process with compassion, respect, and transparency. 

"I would also like to make it clear that no decisions have been made about the future of any of these services. 

"We are consulting to find out people's views to help us make the best decision when the issue is considered by cabinet. 

“I would also like to reaffirm that the council is committed to delivering excellent care for Lancashire residents and for that reason it is important we review our services to make sure we are meeting people’s needs in the best possible way, both now and in the future.” 

The council said responses to the eight-week consultation will be carefully considered before a further report will be presented to the cabinet in February 2026. 

Residents, families, staff, and stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the consultation by visiting: www.lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay  

Meanwhile, Lancaster City Council's Business Committee will meet to discuss a response to the review on Thursday November 27 at Morecambe Town Hall. The meeting starts at 6pm and is open to the public.

Residents can send their views for its consideration by emailing democracy@lancaster.gov.uk.

Hundreds of people have signed a petition launched by Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster & Wyre, to save Vale View from any potential closure.

On Thursday, Ms Smith met with several families of clients of Vale View Day Centre.

Photo credit: Cat Smith MP

She said this was "to discuss how the potential closure, by Lancashire County Council, will impact them and their loved ones".

"From our conversations it’s clear that Vale View isn’t just a day centre, it’s a lifeline," she said.

"The uncertainty caused by Lancashire County Council has left families feeling anxious and distressed about what the future holds.

"Thank you to everyone who managed to attend at short notice, your voices and experiences are so important. If you couldn’t make it, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling my office on 01524 566 551 or email me at cat.smith.mp@parliament.uk."

Read more: Hundreds sign petition to save Lancaster Day Centre from closure - Beyond Radio

Views sought on proposed Lancaster day centre closure - Beyond Radio

Council to consider review of Lancaster adult social care service - Beyond Radio