Tories to close the Phoenix Centre despite public opposition

Lewes MP James MacCleary has slammed the decision by the Conservative-led East Sussex County Council to close multiple vital social care facilities throughout East Sussex, including the Phoenix Centre in Lewes, despite widespread public opposition.

 On February 25th the East Sussex County Council Cabinet meeting voted to close several social care facilities in the county, including the Phoenix Centre, Milton Grange, Linden Court, Hookstead, and supported accommodation for adults with mental health needs. This decision, confirmed following a consultation with nearly 3,500 people, means the end of essential services in East Sussex for elderly people and those with disabilities. Linden Court in Eastbourne provides a day service for adults with learning disabilities and the Phoenix Centre provides day services to older people with a range of physical and mental health needs living in the community.

These facilities will be forced to close, leaving vulnerable residents without the essential services they need locally. The council’s own consultation report acknowledged the public concern that these closures would remove essential support for carers and will lead to increased pressure on the NHS. Despite this, Conservative councillors have decided to leave local families without vital essential care provisions.

The Liberal Democrats previously proposed an amendment which would have reinstated over £1.5 million in funding, which was voted down by the Council. The proposal, which was seconded by an independent councillor, would have used available reserves freed up by the deferral of the May 2025 County Council elections. Instead, the council have pushed ahead with their proposals which will see significant cuts to social care throughout the constituency.

James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, said: “This is an outrageous decision that betrays vulnerable residents and their families. The Phoenix Centre is a lifeline for so many in our community, providing care, respite, and dignity. The Conservatives had the opportunity to protect these vital services, and instead they have chosen to abandon the people who rely on them.”

Kevin West, Liberal Democrat Town Councillor in Lewes, who previously organised protests against the Phoenix Centre’s closure, added: “This is a devastating blow for so many local residents who rely on the Phoenix Centre, for either themselves or a family member. They have been hugely let down by this decision. Residents made their voices heard during the consultation, but the Tories have decided to completely ignore them. Instead of supporting residents in need, they have let them down once again.”