Mid and West Assembly Member Simon Thomas has responded to the consultation by Pembrokeshire County Council on their proposal to close Tenby Social Activity Centre.

The Tenby day centre for adults with a learning disability has been put under threat by the council.

Plaid Cymru AM Simon Thomas said: “I have been impressed by the meetings I have held with day centre users, their carers, families and the public to see how valued the centre is to their daily lives and social interaction.

“The current day centre costs of £340,000 could well increase if individual direct payments and equivalent care in the community were offered, but in my view this would remove the important social interaction and mutual support provided by the Avenue Centre.

“The day centre provides a service to the community, which to its regular service users is highly valuable if not vital. The purpose of the centre is not to make money, but to provide daily social interactions and provide varying levels of care.

“It was tremendous to see the community of Tenby come together in support of the Avenue Centre at a meeting last month. The vulnerable people that the Avenue Centre supports, together with their parents, family, carers and the excellent staff there are demonstrably part of the community of Tenby. This is why the whole town seems united in opposing this closure. Whilst Pembrokeshire County Council seem to think it is appropriate to treat the clients at the Avenue as a small and isolated group, the people of Tenby support them and welcome them as a vital part of our community.

“I would urge the county council to build on this sense of community and engage constructively with the Avenue Centre users to plot the way ahead. I believe any future decisions must retain the current support a day centre can provide. I urge the council to rethink the proposals for closure.”