[dropcap type =”circle”]A[/dropcap] campaign to save a vital resource in Bicester is gathering pace, and so far over 1,000 people have signed a petition.
Oxfordshire County Council is being urged to keep Bicester’s Health and Wellbeing Centre in Launton Road open and save it from cost cutting measures.
Campaigners say the centre is an important resource for many families in Bicester and the surrounding villages and is vital for the older population of the area.
In an open letter, an 87-year-old lady who uses the centre says:
“Dear people of Bicester,
I’ve lived in Bicester for 50 years. My husband passed away 15 yrs ago. I have no family left and my mobility is not what it used to be. I attend the Bicester Health and wellbeing centre located near the garth park two days a week. This place is my only lifeline. I get to see friends and I get looked after so well that I really don’t know where I would be without the place.
Oxfordshire County Council are proposing to close this centre and others throughout Oxfordshire!
What will I do?
I will be stuck looking at four walls every day with no human contact.
Who will prepare me a cooked meal, help me with my medications and just check my general health. I’m so upset that this is happening. I won’t see my friends again. I will be all alone all day every day. Me and my husband have worked hard all our lives, paid our taxes and this is how vulnerable people are being treated.
You are all younger and we need you to fight for us as no one will otherwise. Please think of your elderly relatives and think what would they do if they didn’t have you? I don’t like being alone and it scares me to think this is now my future, being alone and vulnerable. Please help us in this fight to save the Bicester Wellbeing Health and Wellbeing centre. You or your relatives might need them one day!”
Sarah Haydon, who is helping to gather support for the campaign said: “I was told about the campaign after someone saw it had been mentioned on social media. The county council is reviewing whether to close centres like this one as part of a drive to save money.
“We have started a petition to stop this from happening and so far have more than 1000 signatures.”
The consultation period for people to comment on the proposed closure ends on December 20. Sarah added: “The centre is a lifeline for many people of all ages. People who use the centre can access a wide range of other services there and it really is needed. I would urge everyone to support the campaign to keep the centre open.”
You can sign the petition here
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-bicester-s-health-and-wellbeing-centre