CHANCERY House day care centre is heading for a financial crisis and eventual closure.

That was the message at the Bridport day care centre's agm last week.

Vice chairman of trustees Keith Day was presenting a brief overview of its finances.

He warned that although Chancery House has a reasonable sum invested - a loss in excess of £40,000 over the last financial year and forecast losses in future years will eventually result in a financial ‘crisis’.

He added: “We therefore have to face the inevitable.

"At some time in the future we will no longer be able to sustain our operation and will have to close. "In the meantime we will continue to serve the elderly of Bridport and district for as long as we are able.”

Trustee chairman Barbara Vousden, who is now on Bridport Town Council, said it was very much a case of 'use it or lose it'.

She said: "Everybody you speak to says 'Oh Chancery House it's wonderful, it would be terrible if it closed' but unless you get the support - ie clients coming in it is not viable.

"Costs are going up, it costs £3,000 for our insurance which is a big chunk of money .

"It is making people aware - use it or lose it'."

She said it costs £35 a day to use the centre and that includes transport and a lunch.

Mrs Vousden added: "If you compare people being at home on their own and getting a carer to come for an hour to do their lunch, we are very reasonable and it is the companionship.

"The council is very keen on people staying in their own houses which is great but it is the isolation."

She said it was worth people asking what help is available to pay care costs.

She added: "Carers can help - if you know the system. This is where Citizens Advice is so good to ask 'what am I entitled to?' Some people could be pleasantly surprised."

Mrs Vousden said clients tended to be older - 80-plus - and there was a definite need for day care.

She said: "We just need to get the message across."