The hub manager of a dementia day service based at a former middle school which has been put up for sale is in a race against time to find new premises.

Kelly Kennedy-Smith, who manages Memories are Golden at the former Parkway Middle School site in Haverhill, which has been listed for sale on RightMove, has issued a plea for help as she has until May to find a new base. 

The Park Road site, which has been closed as a school since August 2011, appeared on Rightmove, marketed by Lambert Smith Hampton London, and the listing states it is suitable for residential development including around 100 homes. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Service users at Memories are Golden in HaverhillService users at Memories are Golden in Haverhill (Image: Kelly Kennedy-Smith)

Ms Kennedy-Smith said: "We always knew it was temporary and they [Unity] have been so good to us up here, but for the last two years we have been looking for a new premises but haven't found one. 

"I feel let down by the council a little bit, they haven't really come forward and been interested in helping but they will soon be shouting if they lose the service in the town." 

Ms Kennedy-Smith said the charity, which is for residents with dementia or those at risk of social isolation, was 'happy to pay its way' and not looking for a free premises.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tracie, Elaine, Kelly and Clara, who are staff at Memories are GoldenTracie, Elaine, Kelly and Clara, who are staff at Memories are Golden (Image: Kelly Kennedy-Smith)

She said she has been in contact with both West Suffolk Council and councillors on Suffolk County Council, but is no closer to finding new premises. 

This has made her worry for the future of the hub, which is an important facility for those that use it. 

"People come here from like half nine until two, which provides much-needed respite for families and some of them live on their own so this is the only form of socialisation that they might get," she said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Memories are Golden event at ChristmasMemories are Golden event at Christmas (Image: Kelly Kennedy-Smith)

"They keep saying 'have you found anywhere yet' and it makes me sad because I have put my all into it." 

She said the public have been very helpful in sending her ideas and urged anyone who knows of a property to contact enquiries@memoriesaregolden.co.uk. 

A West Suffolk Council spokesperson said: “West Suffolk Council recognises the importance of the day care dementia hub run by Memories are Golden and has suggested a number of possible venues to the charity to consider. We are continuing to work with them.”

Suffolk County Council has been approached for comment.