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The Council considered
the following petition:

“St Mary's Community Centre in Byfleet has
been a haven for our elderly, frail, and vulnerable
residents.  The day care facilities
include care and assistance from support staff, hot drinks and a
hot midday meal, social and gentle exercise activities, and a
return journey on the accessible Bustler bus.

The services are vital in ensuring their well-being
and social integration in our multigenerational community
space.  In addition, the community
centre is more than just a facility; it represents familiarity and
comfort for its users who have built relationships with staff
members and other users of the building including families and
children over the years.

A sudden change in environment can be detrimental
especially for those suffering from cognitive and physical
impairments such as dementia and visual impairments.  We, the undersigned, are opposed to the proposed
relocation of the Elderly Day Centre Facilities away from St Mary's
Community Centre, Byfleet. We call on Woking Borough Council
to:

1.      Reject the proposed plan
to relocate the Elderly Day Care Facilities; and

2.      Fully consult with local
residents on any future proposals regarding to St Mary's Community
Centre, Byfleet”
Following the debate,
the Council agreed that the petition should be
welcomed and a proposal be brought to the meeting of Council on 4
March 2024 exploring the possibility of extending the services of
St Mary’s Centre beyond 31 March 2024 to provide additional
time for local community organisations interested in providing
future services at the Centre.