Lonely and blind Birmingham pensioners have been sent a grim festive message - their "lifeline" day centre closes on Christmas Eve. Up to 25 elderly folk with sight problems rely heavily on Pocklington Place centre, in Hole Lane, Northfield, as their only source of enjoyment. Britain's largest charity for the blind, the Thomas Pocklington Trust, has announced it is to stop running its free minibuses and close the day centre at the height of the festive season, in order to save cash. From January, pensioners will be allowed to visit the residential home at the same site for meals, but only if they make their own way there. Social activities from bingo to group crossword sessions will be scaled down. Dorothy Bannister, of Burnhill Grove, Weoley Castle, whose 71-year-old partner George Slade is a regular at the centre, said members were distraught over the decision. "This has come as a real bombshell and spoilt everyone's Christmas," said Dorothy. "Some of the members have been crying as they can't get to the centre without the free minibus, it is too difficult for them. "They offered to pay more than the daily charge of £6 to keep it going, but the trust refused." Dorothy added: "This day centre is where they all meet and chat. It's a travesty." The Thomas Pocklington Trust was set up to protect the welfare of the blind and has an annual turnover of £5 million and assets of more than £58 million. The trust's Anne Nikolov said today that finance problems were forcing it to close the day centre and transport facilities. "Following a review, we are re-shaping services. "The transport is heavily subsidised and we can no longer provide this because of budget restrictions. "We will provide some services in the main building from January as long as members can find their own way there." The centre has been running for at least seven years and has members up to the age of 91. alison_dayani@mrn.co.uk HOW YOU CAN HELP THE Evening Mail today launches a drive to put a smile back on the faces of these poor pensioners. We need generous readers to donate enough cash and transport to make sure they can still meet at Pocklington Place. Whether it is transport bosses willing to offer the use of a minibus a few times a week or drivers who have some spare time on their hands, we need YOUR help. Readers are also urged to donate what they can. Anyone who can offer services, transport or donations is urged to contact the Evening Mail on 0121 234 5280. | 
