Councillor Jagdish Sharma, Leader of Hounslow Council, has refused a request by local MP Mary Macleod to hold an urgent public meeting on the proposal to close Chiswick Day Centre. A decision on the proposed closure was due to be made at a Borough Council meeting on 19th July but has now been deferred until September due to a technicality.

In his response Councillor Sharma says: “It is my view that there has been sufficient public consultation and engagement about Chiswick Day Centre and I have concluded that neither Councillor Lal nor myself will attend a public meeting.”

Mary commented: “I am disappointed that Councillor Sharma does not feel it is important to attend a public meeting on the future of Chiswick Day Centre. I believe that the public consultation was flawed from the outset and local residents should have a further opportunity to discuss the potential closure of the centre ahead of the Council’s final decision.

“Chiswick Day Centre provides a valuable resource for elderly residents of Chiswick and essential respite for their carers and I believe the Council should do more to consider any possible options to keep it open.”