WORCESTER people with mental health problems are being treated like "second-class citizens" claim the users of a city-based day centre which social services wants to re-develop.

People who utilise the Studdert Kennedy day centre in City Walls Road are unhappy that Worcestershire Social Services wants to transform the venue into a resource centre.

Debby Houghton, who uses the centre three mornings a week, says she fears the changes will tear her away from friends and potentially leave them with nowhere to go.

The 43-year-old, who lives at Lansdowne Rise, claims while patients at Worcester's Newtown Hospital would be able to use the new facilities, those currently using the day centre would not be able to.

"The centre keeps me out of Newtown and allows me to live with my family while receiving the support I need," said Mrs Houghton, who suffers from depression.

"I can attend groups doing art and crafts, cookery, pottery and there's a social circle that gives me something to get out of bed for in the morning.

"If this plan goes ahead I'm very worried some of the people using the day centre won't be able to get to the other centres in the city we'll be moved to.

"There are a lot of people who feel very worried about the changes and I'd appeal to them to write to Social Services and object about the plans before it is too late."

But the county's director of social services, Jennie Bashforth, said talks had taken place with the users of the centre about the proposed changes and stressed all of the current facilities would still be provided after the redevelopment.

She added the proposals were the result of a successful bid last June for Government funding to develop the centre to enable National Health Trust staff to move in with Social Services staff currently at the site.

"Obviously, while the redevelopment is taking place, the centre won't be available for use. But we have the Merrimans Hill centre, which is an ideal alternative," she said.

"We've talked to users of the Studdert Kennedy centre and, on request, published information in their newsletter. However, I must emphasis there will be no withdrawal of the service."