Campaigners fighting to save Sotheby Mews Day Centre

• I WAS interested to read about a social housing scheme building independent living spaces for older people at King’s Cross, (Independence days for over-55s, February 1).

The Tribune has reported on the threatened closure of Sotheby Mews Day Centre. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see some creative thinking about alternative solutions for that site?

While it is good news that the Roundhouse, in Ronalds Road will try to provide most of the services currently offered at Sotheby Mews, the bad news is that its location means it will be inaccessible for some of the elderly users.

Sotheby Mews is just off a main road, close to several bus stops on a well-lit street. The Roundhouse, by contrast, is tucked away on a side street, a considerable distance from public transport – and will require some users to cross Highbury Fields. Not everyone will feel safe and secure walking to the Roundhouse, especially during the winter months.

Perhaps a compromise could be found? For example, look at the new Cat and Mouse Library in Camden Road, where the ground floor is a library open to all and there is housing above. Could something similar be done in Sotheby Mews?

A community centre on the lower floor, with flats above would neatly resolve the issue as well as addressing the need for additional facilities for older people as Islington’s population ages.

The users of Sotheby Mews understand the pressing need for housing in Islington but also see first-hand the challenges of loneliness and isolation faced by many elderly people.

Closing this day centre will reduce options for a vulnerable group of users and reduce their independence at a key stage of life – but taking an imaginative approach to the site could provide a solution to two problems.

KATE POTHALINGAM
Address supplied