ELDERLY residents could become "increasingly isolated" if a day centre is shut and they are made to pay for social gatherings.

Bromley Social Services is considering closing Belle Grove Day Centre, Mickleham Road, Orpington, as well as charging those who go to day centres, to try to tackle a £1m debt.

Around 50 people use the Belle Grove centre but social services chiefs say it is too expensive to run because it is too big.

If it closes, those who use it will go to other day centres in the area, such as the Saxon Centre in The Walnuts, High Street, Orpington.

This closure combined with charges for elderly people will save £80,000 in 2006/2007.

The council says the charge will be means-tested and has not been set yet.

But News Shopper understands it could be £8 each time residents go to a day care centre.

An 85-year-old woman from Orpington, who goes to the Saxon Centre twice a week, says the charge on top of the £4.50 for a meal there, means she could not go as often.

She said: "I'm very upset. It's the only time I leave the house."

Bromley Council says it is keen to hear the views of users and voluntary groups.

A spokesman added: "It is essential any charges, if agreed, are fair and reasonable to an individual's circumstances."

But community groups have raised concerns.

Bromley Community Care Protection Group scrutinises care services in the borough and member Sue Sulis said: "This will put pressure on services and elderly people could become increasingly isolated when they need intervention, such as medical help."

And Maureen Falloon, director of Bromley Age Concern, says the charity is looking at proposals and considering a response but her initial concerns lay with the vulnerable people asked to contribute to costs they have already contributed to in their lifetime.