Mixed Reaction to Decision to Sell Off Michael Flanders Centre

Dementia care services to be relocated to other locations

Councillor Andrew Steed outside the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton

April 28, 2025

There has been an angry reaction from the opposition on Ealing Council to the announcement that the Michael Flanders Centre (MFC) in Acton is to be closed and the site redeveloped.

The facility which is used by dementia sufferers will see the services it provides relocated to nearby Sycamore Lodge and Elm Lodge in Greenford as part of the council’s Better Lives; Better Days programme which will also see services eventually moved from the Cowgate Centre in Greenford.

The council says the new arrangement represent a move to an improved four site model which will offer greater flexibility and accessibility for service users with more opportunities to connect with the local community.

There is a possibility of longer opening daytime hours, weekend and evening services where there is the demand, and increased access to activities. These new arrangements seek to reduce travel times and create a more welcoming, modern environment at the facilities people use. The council says that the rising number of older people living with dementia in the borough required a different approach from before with more emphasis on flexibility.

Residents that use adult centre day services will also have the choice to use a Direct Payment so they can choose a day service provided by a voluntary organisation instead of the council or to make their own travel arrangements.

It was also felt that the amount of development around the MFC would continue to be disruptive to service users.

More than 200 participants took part in 21 engagement sessions, and the council says that the new programme is based on the feedback they gave.

Denis Crowe attended the MFC engagement sessions and said, “The process has been fair, thorough and illuminating. Naturally there will be concerns and we need to go through the journey. and I do appreciate the consultative nature of the project.”

Anna Nowakowska attended the same sessions and added, “I am pleased that there will be 2 options for people to attend a day service for people with dementia across the borough. This will help carers to take a break from caring while the service user goes to a happy environment with staff that treat people as part of a family.”

Fenn Foster commented, “I’m glad to hear the council is looking into the possibility of extending opening hours.”

She said this would give carers the opportunity for respite, particularly on weekends, and explained, “If you can’t take time for yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. Having that time, you think ‘I can plan something and do something’.”

Fenn said her mother wants to be in the community with people who understand her, and adult day centres help give service users the “dignity” to remain in their own homes whilst receiving support.

Jasmine Dotiwala OBE is the daughter of a service user at MFC. She said, “The council has handled this project with due care and consideration of everyone’s concerns as we are anxious of any changes due to the high needs of service users.

“Families have been walked through the project slowly and with patience and the council has answered all of our questions.

“The plans to further improve staff training and skills around dementia are positive. It is important to have more than one centre across Ealing.”

Councillor Polly Knewstub, the council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said, “We want our residents to thrive. These changes mean better access, better services, and more support for the people who need it most.”

“This is not just about moving buildings. We’re building a more dynamic, inclusive service that fits the lives of our residents—whether that means support in the evenings, more choice in activities, or closer connections to the community.

“We’re committed to ensuring that everyone—whether young adults transitioning into services or older residents living with dementia—can access the care they need, in the way that works best for them.”

However, the opposition has accused the Labour administration of evading accountability and transparency in their decision making when announcing the sell off. They point out that both Sycamore Lodge in Acton and Elm Lodge in Greenford, which will now provide services previously delivered at MFC, are PFI schemes run by third parties.

The council has been planning the redevelopment of the centre since 2018 when the cabinet approved the ‘Future Ealing: Property Assets and Neighbourhood Offer Programme. However, the opposition say that, despite repeated questions, the council has refused, up until now, to confirm that the site was to be redeveloped.

Councillor Andrew Steed, who is the spokesperson for Adults’ Services for the Liberal Democrats said, “Liberal Democrats are appalled that Ealing Labour have agreed to sell off the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton and in such a way to prevent any scrutiny or discussion of this decision. Users with dementia often rely on familiarity of location and people, as well as security of location to enhance their quality of life. Ealing Labour are introducing uncertainty and increasing the likelihood of more sell offs, including the Cowgate Centre (Greenford) and some Children’s centres (across the borough) which are also being reduced impacting the service delivery. Ealing Liberal Democrats are standing up for users of important centres like these, at a time when the demand for these services are increasing Ealing Labour are reducing them!”