A LAST-ditch appeal to save two day centres from the axe has failed, despite claims that the cost-cutting move will deprive east Bournemouth of vital facilities.

Cabinet members said the move was about modernising and rationalising the town's day care services and not just about saving money.

But they admitted the anticipated yearly savings of £316,000 will prove useful as they seek to prune their budget.

The money raised by the sale of one of the day centres could go towards renovating and reopening the Winter Gardens.

Councillors approved the closure of the 60-year-old Seabourne day centre in Boscombe after hearing that it was under-used and in desperate need of renovation.

But they also decided to close Broadwaters day centre in Tuckton, which is well used but not equipped to provide specialist care.

Broadwaters is to close by the end of March next year and users will be transferred to an alternative centre. The vacant building will be used by a respite unit.

Seabourne day centre will be sold but a bid to earmark the money to build a community centre in the south east of the borough failed. Instead, the cash will go into the council's capital receipt fund and be allocated according to their list of priorities - which is currently headed by the Winter Gardens.

Cllr Malcolm Davies, who represents East Southbourne and Tuckton, told cabinet members: "I would like to appeal to your compassion.

"These are the most vulnerable people in society we are talking about. They are not able to help themselves.

"Seabourne is well past its sell-by date but please keep Broadwaters open. There are a lot of people in the Southbourne area that rely on it."

But Cllr Bill Mason, cabinet member with reponsibility for caring for people, said: "This is about the modernisation of our day care services. It's about reorganising and improving our services.

"We have a lot of work to do in improving our day care services for older people."

First published: September 10