PLANS to turn a residential and day care centre into a dementia unit have been given the go ahead.

The controversial proposals for Santune House, Shavington have sparked concern and fears for the elderly residents and others currently enjoying facilities that include baths, meals, respite for carers and hire of medical and mobility equipment.

Staff are also concerned about their own future, as the new unit is set to move to a more central location in the county within three years.

The changes are the results of a £3million county cost cutting exercise. Full time residential care is being axed from twelve centres througout Cheshire.

On Tuesday Social Services Committee members voted through the proposals with an assurance that Santune's current residents would not be forced to move elsewhere.

"That was the one positive concession we got out of the meeting. But we were left with a lot of unanswered questions and worries," said staff union UNISON's spokesman John Feeney.

"We have been given no clear picture of what will happen to the day care services; if and where they will be available in the future. Perhaps Lincoln House at Crewe will come into the frame. We just don't known. The staff are worried because of the uncertain future of Santune after the three year period runs out," he added.

He revealed that meetings would now be organised involving Santune and three other centres in a similar positition.

"There appears to be no immediate danger of staff losing jobs, but members naturally have fears," Mr Feeney said.

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