Plans to open a daily drop-in centre for the elderly in Braintree are to be looked into by the Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency.

The idea for the centre was First suggested by members of the Braintree Pensioners Action Group about four months ago.

However, welfare secretary of the group, Phyllis Webb, said that so far they have not been successful in their search for somewhere to base the centre.

"We have nothing in Braintree for the elderly. We have been to the council, but although they have been very sympathetic, they said they cannot find anywhere for us to hold it," she said.

Mrs Webb went on to say that for most elderly people in Braintree, many of whom are still very active, they have nothing to do during the day time.

"We have the First Stop Centre, but that's for the homeless, and there is the centre at the hospital, but that's for people who are ill. What about those who are elderly and well and just want to go somewhere and chat to people?" she said.

"I know of one woman who goes to the George Yard shopping centre every day, just so she can talk to people. A drop-in centre could offer the elderly, especially those who are on their own, someone to talk to, a hot drink and maybe some hot soup," she added.

Mrs Webb also said that for many elderly people who cannot afford to heat their homes day and night in this weather, a day centre could be a real help.

"For some elderly folk, heating the house all the time costs too much. A drop-in centre could be somewhere that they get warmth during the day.

"Basically, this centre would be good for their health and give them company. If we got it up and running, we could maybe start doing things like dancing as well," she said.

Judy Cuddeford, manager co-ordinator of the BDVSA, agreed that the main problem for this and many other groups, was the lack of premises in Braintree, but promised they would look into the situation.

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