A LIFELINE for almost 80 elderly people in West Devon is to be snatched away after constant rising costs forced a decision to close.

The trustees of Age Concern in Okehampton and Torridge say they cannot afford to keep open centres providing day care in Okehampton, Hatherleigh and Chagford any longer — they are to close imminently.

Chief officer the Rev Barrie Duke said the cost of providing day care and transport for elderly people has risen 17 per cent since April and a major fundraising appeal failed to raise the money needed to keep going.

He said the 'devastating' decision to close the centres meant elderly people in rural areas would be denied the opportunity to leave their homes for a hot meal — and other carers would have no respite from looking after older relatives and friends.

Mr Duke said: 'We have hung on for as long as we can but I cannot allow the trustees to become liable for any debt that would inevitably rise from continuing.

'In the past 18 months the situation has been presented to every organisation and body with a requirement to support, or an interest in care in the community, with no response. We try to do the things that ordinary people say they want, but no-one is listening to them — or us.'

Mr Duke said Age Concern, in existence for around 10 years in West Devon, will continue to run centres in North Tawton, Whiddon Down and Halwill Junction.

But day care services run once a week at Okehampton Rugby Club, the Bridge Inn at Hatherleigh and at Cranley Gardens in Chagford will close.

'Basically, we have had to say we just can't keep going,' said Mr Duke. He added that for some people the day at the Age Concern centre was the only day a week they left their homes.

He said the pressure on residential homes would also increase as a result of the closures.

But yesterday (Wednesday), Carol Barkwell, chairman of Age Concern, said there was a glimmer of hope after a meeting with Social Services.

'They've said they will help us review the situation,' she said.

Mrs Barkwell said there is a possibility a restricted service could continue for perhaps the most needy, but more help was needed with costly transportation.

Rose Davis, centre organiser for Hatherleigh and Okehampton, said she was 'extremely sad' at news of the closure decision.

'I'm lost for words. Last Wednesday was our Christmas party at Hatherleigh and I had to tell them then. It was just like a wake,' she said.

'We are like a big family and the service keeps everybody ticking over. If the bus comes and nobody answers the door, we immediately find out what's wrong.

'Even small things like helping with hearing aids we can do — the day out gives them something to think about for the rest of the week.'

West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett was due to visit Age Concern at Okehampton Rugby Club today (Thursday) for a full briefing on the situation.

He said the news was 'heartbreaking'. He would be having a lengthy meeting with Social Services and would approach the county council and other agencies to see what could be done to help this 'desperately important service'.

'It's a terrible irony this should happen over Christmas at a time when we think of elderly people who have served our communities so well. They deserve dignity and care in retirement,' said Mr Burnett.