East Sussex Day Centre Closure Plans Spark User Concern

Users of a day centre for individuals with learning disabilities in East Sussex are challenging the rationale behind its proposed closure. East Sussex County Council has put forward a proposal to shut down Hookstead in Crowborough, citing budget pressures and a need to save £55 million. Max Hilton, 27, a user of the facility, expressed his reaction, stating he is “speechless” and finds the proposal “depressing” and “inexcusable”. According to a council spokesperson, the authority must “carefully consider every possible option to address the significant shortfall” anticipated for the upcoming year. Mr. Hilton, who lives in Crowborough with his mother, Sam Matthews, and brother, has autism and has attended Hookstead twice weekly for several years. He stated that he enjoys the photography and cooking sessions, which assist him in acquiring new skills, and added that he “loves spending some time with friends”. Mr. Hilton is actively involved in a campaign advocating for the preservation of the day centre. Ms. Matthews described the centre as a vital resource for numerous individuals, asserting that her son’s world would “close in” if it were to shut down. East Sussex County Council indicated its objective to achieve savings of £124,000 through the closure of Hookstead, which serves 42 individuals. This facility is among four day services that the authority plans to close. Tom Martin, 23, who also has autism spectrum disorder, attends Hookstead four days per week. His father, Sid Martin, stated that he has already encountered difficulties securing a fifth day of care for his son and expressed concern that the family might need to explore residential care options if the centre closes. Mr. Martin conveyed his belief that if only two Hookstead clients require residential care, the financial savings from closing the centre would result in a higher expense for the council, a move he described as “just really short sighted”. East Sussex County Council affirmed its commitment to continue assisting all individuals eligible for support. A public consultation regarding these proposals remains open until November 28, with the authority expected to render a decision in February.