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Judge gives day centre a last minute reprieve
AN under-threat mental health day centre has been given a
stay of execution following a bitter High Court battle with
Camden Council’s social services.
The Town Hall was forced to make a dramatic U-turn at the Royal
Courts of Justice yesterday (Wednesday) granting the Jamestown
Day Centre in Adelaide Road, Chalk Farm a last minute reprieve.
Labour Social Services chief Councillor Geethika Jayatilaka
announced the decision to axe the service last October, ignoring
a 3,000-name petition calling for the council to rethink its
plans. The service that provides training, advice and social
events for people who have suffered from mental illness.
Centre users warned the loss could lead to unnecessary suffering,
patient isolation and even possible suicide.
But the centre, which was due to be shut down next Friday still
faces a shaky future as Camden has given no clear commitment
to its future.
Speaking after the hearing, a council spokesman said: “At
the Judicial Review, the judge invited the parties to mediate
the issue rather than continue with the contentious and costly
litigation.
“As a result of the judge’s invitation, we agreed
to review the decision in relation to the Jamestown Centre,
and the council will be undertaking further consultation with
the service users about the centre.”
Celebrating the temporary reprieve, Leo McLaughlin, of the strong
Save Our Day Centres (SODC) group said: “It’s a fantastic
result for all people with mental health problems. It has taken
the most Herculian effort to get this far.”
Paul Bowen, representing SODC, told the court there had been
no consultation among users of the centre.
But when Mr Justice Walker, presiding, realised there had been
no formal mediation between SODC and the council, he ordered
both sides to meet outside of court to consider a compromise.
Returning to the courtroom following hours of negotiations,
Paul Spencer, for the council, said the Town Hall would agree
to one of two options – either quashing the closure decision
outright, or agreeing to mediate – but had not yet decided
which. The hearing was further adjourned for lawyers to battle
it out in the court corridors.
Jamestown user Ruth Shawcross said: “It was supposed to
close next Friday but none us had been told what support we
were going to have. It’s been hell.” |
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