AN appeal has been made for donations to support the community bid to continue the vital Dementia care services at Haslemere’s Marjorie Gray Hall.

Alzheimer’s Society announced in January it would close its Haslemere branch on March 31, but agreed in February to extend the notice period to six months, following a town outcry backed by the town’s MP Jeremy Hunt – the Health Secretary – that it was too short a period to come up with a community rescue plan.

The community campaign to preserve the services offered, went up a gear at a meeting chaired by Haslemere Mayor Sahran Abeysundara for supporters, on Monday, at which a dedicated working party was formed consisting of town councillors and stakeholders.

Its aim is to set up a management team and structure for ‘Dementia Care in Haslemere and Surrounding Areas’, and to negotiate a lease for the hall and agree the options for care that are required.

Several residents have already pledged financial support and the town’s charity – The Haslemere Penny Ha’penny Trust – has offered to receive donations and hold them in a central fund for the project.

Donations can be made via the Haslemere Town Hall. Cheques should be made out to The Haslemere Penny Ha’penny Trust and marked “DEMENTIA”.

Alternatively, would-be donors can email admin@ haslemeretc.org or call 01428 654305 for information on how to make a BACS payment.