In response to Vicky Black’s open letter, I am pleased to clarify a number of points about the consultation arrangements and the opportunities for people to make views known on this important matter.

The consultation meetings are being held to get debate and thoughts from people who already rely on these highly-valued services and others who are interested in the future of the services.

It is the first step in a consultation process that looks at ways to achieve a service for future years and at this stage looks at basic principles at how the services should be owned and run.

As Vicky Black has clearly stated ‘this decision is not just about this year or next’.

The public meetings referred to are just one part of a much greater number of meetings taking place, focused on service users, carers and day centres.

To date 50-plus events have taken place.

However, they are important and the concerns about invitations and access to meetings in different locations are important.

Invitations went out by email and were followed up by post on August 3 and went to county, district, parish and town councillors. Clearly some were not received and further checks are being made for future meetings. The first meeting took place on August 24.

We have also arranged for three further sessions to try to be more accessible. These are:

• Shaftesbury Town Hall – on October 10.

• The Corn Exchange, Wareham – on October 17.

• Bridport United Church Hall – on October 20.

• I would also like to assure communities that there will be further consultation as their views about the options influence more detailed development plans.

Debbie Ward, Director for adult and community services Dorset County Council