'Is Age Concern concerned?'

Services at Orbital Community Centre will be axed next week in a move which has upset volunteers who help out with the operation.

Some of these volunteers, who have worked at the centre for up to 40 years, are so angry at Age Concern's decision that they have said they will stop volunteering for the charity.

Known as 10 to 3 Clubs, the Age Concern website says that the clubs "give older people the opportunity to socialise with others in their local community.

The clubs vary in size, but there is always a team of friendly, supportive staff and volunteers on hand to welcome and assist you."

The centre in Haines Way used to provide a place for elderly people to meet every Wednesday. Volunteers chatted to the visitors, served them food and drink, organised games of bingo and took them on regular outings.

Averil Churchouse, volunteer organiser of the Wednesday sessions, said she was "very upset" Age Concern had decided to close the centre.

"It's like an extended family here," Averil said.

"I think it's taking something out of the community. We provide a community service here."

Age Concern is relocating the services provided at the Orbital Centre to those already offered at Treebridge House, Garston Lane.

But this is not enough for volunteer Rita Andrews. "I do not think that they will get the same level of care as we provide here," Rita said.

"It's the way they Age Concern have gone about this that's most upsetting.

"They have just dropped a bombshell. It's the inconsiderate way which they have done this. Our main concern is the elderly people. Is Age Concern concerned?"

Marion Birch, chief executive of Age Concern Hertfordshire, said that the cessation of daycare provision at Orbital Community Centre was not a closure, but a move.

"We are always looking to make it more comfortable for those who use our services," Ms Birch said. "Treebridge House has got more space than the Orbital Centre. It has got a garden. It has got better chairs. It is a big improvement."