The day care centre, which is in the Old Town, has been under review from the county council for seven months and a decision was due to be made on its future last week.

However, at the meeting in Lewes, the decision was taken to look again at the possible options - meaning more weeks of uncertainty for staff and patients.

One cause of encouragement however was the county council's decision to look into the possibility of freeing up some of the building to house an Active Age Centre.

This would see the centre become a hub for the town's elderly care services, including Age Concern Hastings, and is an idea which has been met with some enthusiasm.

It would house many of the services already being offered by Age Concern Hastings and would see the existing day care service complimented by a host of other provisions.

Local county councillor Jay Kramer thinks it is important all the options are looked at but that local people need to be kept informed.

She said: "The review has been going on for seven months, which has caused anxiety and low morale. I believe there is a strong case for expansion of the services at the centre and the creation of an Active Age Centre.

"I hope the strong views of the users, their families, the staff and other organisations like Hastings Old Town Residents Association and Age Concern Hastings will be taken seriously."

Cllr Kramer has urged the county council's leadership to keep her informed of any significant developments so that she in turn can let residents know what is happening.

She said: "I shall be keeping a very close eye on developments and would welcome comments and views from members of the community who are affected by this review.

"I will fight any suggestion of closing the Isobel Blackman Centre. As a day centre for older residents it is really valued by people from the Old Town and wider."

A final date for a decision on the centre has not yet been set. If you would like to contact cllr Kramer with yours views you can do so by ringing her on 01424 719511 or emailing cllr.jay.kramer@eastsussex.gov.uk.