A petition has been launched to try to stop a day centre for people with dementia from closing.

East Sussex County Council has already approved plans to shut the Orion Centre in Hailsham and provide services elsewhere.

The news has left carers and others using the centre angry and upset.

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Linda Stevens, from Polegate, is a regular user of the centre as her husband John, who has vascular dementia, needs a lot of support.

She said: “It has been a real life-saver for us. Not only does it provide a safe place for John, it gives me a chance to have respite as well.

“The petition is calling for the decision to be overturned and the centre kept open.”

An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “The centre will not close until alternative provision from the voluntary or community sector is available to all its current users and a formal consultation with staff, which is due to begin shortly, is complete.

“We appreciate this is a difficult time for staff and for the people who use the centre, but if there’s anything we can do to make the transition process easier for users, we will of course consider this.

“We did explore all options for the future of the Orion Centre, and the conclusion we reached was that closure was the only feasible option.

“We face cuts of £27 million from our adult social care budget over the next three years and we have no choice but to make changes to ensure we have a system that is sustainable for the future.”

To sign the petition, visit www.change.org.