Ealing Liberal Democrats have criticised Labour-run Ealing Council over plans to close and sell off the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton, a community resource providing support to residents with dementia and complex needs.
Announced on 18 April 2025, the decision has drawn criticism from opposition councillors, who claim it was made with little opportunity for public debate and scrutiny.
Councillor Andrew Steed, Lib Dem spokesperson for Adults’ Services, criticised what he described as an “opaque process” that excluded residents and councillors from key decisions.
He said: “Liberal Democrats are appalled that Ealing Labour have agreed to sell off the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton and in such a way to prevent any scrutiny or discussion of this decision. Users with dementia often rely on familiarity of location and people, as well as security of location to enhance their quality of life.”
Councillor Steed warned that other sites – including the Cowgate Centre in Greenford and several children’s centres across the borough – could also be under threat, highlighting growing concerns about service provision as demand continues to rise. He said: “Ealing Liberal Democrats are standing up for users of important centres like these, at a time when the demand for these services are increasing Ealing Labour are reducing them.”
The Liberal Democrats have also questioned whether services from the Michael Flanders Centre may be transferred to privately run facilities such as Sycamore Lodge in Acton or Elm Lodge in Greenford, both operated under Private Finance Initiative (PFI) arrangements.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said: “The decision to expand adult day centre services – including those at Michael Flanders and Cowgate Day Centre – into an improved four-site model was made following a council-led engagement process involving more than 200 residents. This included service users, carers, and their families, whose feedback played a key role in shaping the proposals. Staff working in adult day centres also participated in the engagement and have been involved throughout the process.
“The decision was guided by what participants said mattered most: shorter travel times, more diverse activities, and services tailored to individual needs and interests.
“The new offer will include longer opening hours – including weekends – providing greater flexibility and support for carers and families. Service users will have more choice in selecting activities that match their needs, interests, and aspirations, with increased opportunities to engage in their local community.
“More information about the future of adult day centre services is available on the Around Ealing website.
“The Michael Flanders centre forms part of the Acton Gardens regeneration scheme. The decision to assign this building to the regeneration scheme was taken in 2018 after a public consultation and details of the regeneration scheme can also be found on the Acton Gardens website. The council will follow procedures and publish any decision made in line with the constitution.”
