FOURWAYS Day Centre in Tyldesley and Heathside Day Centre in Leigh will close, Wigan Council has confirmed.

The plans were approved by the council’s cabinet meeting as part of an overhaul of adult social care in the borough.

The council says that as part of its new deal it wants to modernise and personalise adult social care, giving customers greater choice, independence and control to make decisions, but can only do this with centres that are ‘fit for purpose, in the right location and provided by specifically trained staff’.

Clr Keith Cunliffe, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “I understand that change is difficult.

“When we began the consultation process around new models of support last year there was initially some anxiety and concern.

“There is a savings element to this programme, but that’s not the single driver for change.

“Yes, the changes will help us make savings, but we believe it is possible to do this while transforming and modernising the services we provide along with improving the quality of the lives of service users.”

The council is considering turning Fourways into an extra care facility for older and disabled people, while the closure of Heathside will allow the residential element of the centre to expand.

Its presence at Leigh Sports Village will continue, but with some changes according to demand.

A new service will be developed to work with people with long-term conditions, acquired brain injury and learning disabilities.

Clr Cunliffe added: “The old way of working is no longer the best way of providing the right support for people who need it, and doesn’t build on what’s available in their own communities.

“For example, many of the buildings we operate from are old and not fit for purpose and the pilots we’ve already carried out have proven successful.”