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The Town Hall has backtracked over a plan to close an Islington day centre for older people.

Users of Drovers Centre, in North Road, which provides free exercise, poetry and art classes, were outraged when they were told last week by Age UK, who run the centre on behalf of Islington Council, that it would shut in August.

Just days later the council, who fund the centre, announced that in fact no decision had been taken and it would be having an “immediate review” of the closure proposals.

But people associated with the centre are sceptical about whether it will be able to stay open in the long run. The Tribune understands that Goodinge Health Centre, adjoining Drovers Centre, is no longer willing to pay to heat both buildings. Installing a boiler in Drovers Centre would cost about £100,000.

One class leader said: “Unless the council are going to pay for that I don’t see how it is going to remain.”

Andy Murphy, chief executive of Age UK Islington, said: “We are pleased there is now going to be a review of day services. Although we offer many activities in community settings many older people coming to Drovers have a strong attachment to the centre.”

Council deputy leader Councillor Janet Burgess, said: “No decision has been taken to close Drovers Day Centre.

“Council officers had developed proposals about day centres in the borough. When councillors became aware of these, we halted these proposals and asked for an immediate review.”