Campaigners have collected more than 5,300 signatures opposing the closure of three day centres for elderly and disabled people.

West Sussex County Council plans to close Harwood House in Horsham, The Brooks in Pulborough and The Grange in Midhurst, which the local authority said would save £1 million in total.

The closure will now be debated at a full council meeting on December 17 and members of Unison will demonstrate outside the council building in Chichester during the debate.

Under the plans The Grange building would become a community centre, with clients who have dementia and complex physical conditions being transferred to Rotherlea day centre in Petworth.

It is also proposed that 25% of clients in its remaining eight day centres would be transferred to the voluntary sector.

Chris Earwaker, branch secretary of Unison West Sussex, said: “The council has got it wrong on this one.

“The fact that so many residents have signed our petition shows the strength of feeling. We understand that the council is in financial difficulties, but vulnerable people and their carers should not have to pay the price by having their day centres closed.

“These proposals on day centres could cost the council more in the long-run if people cannot get the support they need in the community and their mental and physical health deteriorates.”