First challenge of breakaway group (From This Is Lancashire)

First challenge of breakaway group

9:00am Saturday 15th July 2006

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The breakaway Age Concern group in Chorley faces a battle for membership with the national charity.

The new set-up is known as Chorley Lifetsyle Centre for the Over 50s following the split with the national organisation.

It faces its first challenge as Age Concern seeks to boost membership in the area.

The split followed Age Concern's plans to launch a new initiative, Heyday, aimed at supporting people in or approaching early retirement at a cost of £20 a year to members.

It aims to create a new image through this and attract more members in the 50-plus age group offering discounts with stores and holiday companies.

Keith Warren, chairman of the Chorley charity, based in Gillibrand Street, said: "Our destiny is now in our own hands.

"We are now waiting for the battle because Age Concern England are appointing Heyday organisers to secure membership in Chorley and Lancashire."

Chorley's members were balloted on Heyday and more than 90 per cent rejected it.

Age Concern quality inspectors then visited and ordered the Chorley Lifestyle Centre for the Over 50s name be removed.

It was then that moves for a split began. Keith said: "We put it to the members and trustees and they all agreed.

"It will be run by the same trustees, the same committee and all the activities will be the same. The only difference is we will no longer be members of Age Concern England."

An Age Concern spokesperson said: "Age Concern Lancashire, also based in Chorley, will continue to provide its services to older people in the area.

"It will carry on supporting Chorley's Lifestyle Centre for the Over 50s' social and health promotion work."

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