by Rebecca Hughes

The future of an adult day care centre which was threatened with closure last November still hasn't been decided.

The Balfour Centre, in Pattens Lane, Rochester, was earmarked to shut last year as part of a plan to save £2.1 million in Medway Council's adult social care budget.

But a consultation period, which was due to end in February, was extended after an 11th hour bid by Medway Community Healthcare.

Families of users expressed concern that an extension would only prolong the anguish.

Tony Owen-Smith, of Stour Close, Strood, whose wife uses the service, was one of the concerned relatives.

He called the consultation "absolutely ridiculous" and said it should never have been started.

Sue Cooper, whose husband Peter, 71, also uses the centre, said people had not been told anything since the announcement in February.

She said: "We just think that no news is good news, but it's getting to that stage where we just want to hear something either way."

The centre, which cares for disabled adults, is said to offer a lifeline for some who would otherwise never leave their homes.

More than 7,000 people put their names to a petition to keep it open.

Martin Riley, managing director of Medway Community Healthcare, said: "We are currently working through the information we have received from Medway Council.

"It is important that we give full consideration to the details and practical requirements involved before making a decision about the feasibility of providing services at the Balfour Centre.

"We appreciate local people, especially those who use the centre, are interested in future plans for the Balfour Centre and we will provide an update as soon as we are in a position to make an informed decision."