AN activity centre used by hundreds of older people in Colchester is shutting its doors due to “costs and low membership”.

Colchester Council has revealed services for Lion Walk Activity Centre’s 180 members will be moved to North Hill’s Age Concern from October.

The council says attendances at Lion Walk have been dwindling because there are two facilities offering the same thing in the town centre.

It is to spend £45,000 on the Age Concern centre for the next two years.

Yesterday, the council said it faced a shortfall in funding of £76,900 a year.

Rachel Shaw, 78, of Stanway, has used the service since she retired 14 years ago and volunteered there until a few months ago.

She said: “We don’t know what Age Concern will be offering.

"We do keep fit in the morning at Lion Walk but it doesn’t look like it is going to be available on North Hill which is really quite sad.

“A lot of members have their main meal there, a hot dinner, and just eat a sandwich in the evening but there won’t be any food at Age Concern.

“The concern for me is the people who go to Lion Walk won’t move across.

"When Abbots activity centre closed very few members crossed across to Lion Walk.

“And what about access? Will there be a lift for the disabled?It’s just very sad.”

Lion Walk Activity Centre was first opened in 1977 and since then has been offering activities and clubs for older people with its current members ranging from 50 to 99-years-old.

It also offers lunch to those who use the service.

It is not the first time Colchester Council has closed a facility for older people. It shut Abbot’s Activity Centre in 2013 despite protests, including a march, by members.

Age Concern offers coffee clubs, computer courses and advice and befriending services as a free legal surgery and consumer advice.

Colchester Council said the partnership provides a more sustainable way forward with a single, accessible town centre location.

'This is a sustainable future'

COLCHESTER Council has said it is providing a “sustainable future” by joining with Age Concern.

In letters sent to members Tina Bourne, Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for housing and communities, said the council will arrange to refund half the annual membership fee for every active member.

She added: “I understand this news may be very disappointing or worrying for some of you but I hope you can see how it provides an opportunity to sustain great services in the future as well as enhance what is currently on offer.”

Mrs Bourne added: “There are now two facilities right on top of each other offering similar things and competing with each.

“Joining forces with Age Concern Colchester will provide a more sustainable future and means we can ensure our older people can access the most effective support services, find new friends and hobbies and generally get the best out of life.”

“To support the transition of Lion Walk members into Age Concern Colchester’s new activity and support centre and help the charity achieve all its ambitions for this new initiative we are providing a grant totalling £45,000 paid over two years.”

Darius Laws, leader of the opposing Colchester Conservative group, said: “I am surprised, given we have an ageing population, they are seeking to withdraw facilities for elderly people.

“Loneliness and mental health is something we are talking about and I want to make sure our elderly people are not going to suffer from these cuts.”

“I urge users to talk to their councillors and respond to the consultation.”