Protesters try to stop closure of mental health centre in Wrexham

Protesters in Wrexham have organised a campaign to save their local mental health drop-in centre.

Centre 67, as it is known, is to be closed after Social Services reviewed mental health provision in the area and declared that one of the three drop-in centres in the town must be shut down.

Sheila Wentworth, Assistant Chief Social Services Office said: “Social services considered the provision of services from their three day centres with Centre 67 being identified for closure due to declining numbers, the building not being appropriate for people with physical difficulties and the options within the community and other settings.”

Campaigners claim that the closure of Centre 67 would have a “devastating impact” on Wrexham’s mental health recourses and service provision, stating that it is regularly used by over 40 people.

Ian Lucas, MP for Wrexham said: “It is interesting – and heartening – to note that where some people would campaign against such a centre, these residents, who are not clients of the centre are fighting to keep it.”