Under-used Telford care centre is to close

Castle Lodge, in Dawley, is set to be closed because the trust that runs it says the building is being under-utilised.

The centre provides a link between the community and inpatient mental health services.

The South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust today said no jobs will be lost, and all staff at the centre will be found other jobs within the Trust.

Councillor Cathy Salter, from Great Dawley Town Council, spoke of her concern today, adding: "I haven't looked at the figures or anything yet, but I just think mental illness is a problem that is going to be on the rise and closing the facility would not be a good idea."

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Staff were told on Friday that Castle Lodge was closing.

"But it's not the staff who I am worried about - it's the patients who have to go there.

"It is somewhere where they could go without having to go into hospital. If the building is closed then this means they may have to go into hospital and this means they will be spread all over the country."

David Wright, MP for Telford, said: "Castle Lodge has provided excellent services over the years and has meant that Telford residents have been able to stay in the town rather than go to Shrewsbury.

"I am very concerned to hear that the facility is under threat and being temporarily closed.

"I will be seeking an urgent meeting to determine future provision for people with mental health needs."

Geoff Watts, head of mental health services for Shropshire andTelford & Wrekin, said: "Castle Lodge was set up as a step-down facility for patients from the old Shelton Hospital but as part of our commitment to modernising mental health care, local community services have been strengthened and people can now be supported in their own homes rather than having to go into hospital.

"As a result, it has been under-utilised for some time and is being closed to inpatients temporarily whilst we consider other options for the building.

"I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and dedication of the Castle Lodge staff and offer an assurance that we will not want to lose their skills and experience and will aim to redeploy them to other Trust services."