A mental health centre in Crayford has shut after Bexley Council declared it "no longer fit for purpose".

News of the facility in London Road's closure has led one service user to suggest more people will kill themselves when the "precious lifeline" is gone.

The Crayford Centre providesd a range of activities including IT training, arts and music to help encourage further community involvement.

However the contract for mental health recovery day services was put out to tender earlier this year and awarded to Mind in Bexleyheath.

The Crayford Centre closed on Saturday (May 31).

The council has said the centre - described as a "precious lifeline" - is now unsuitable to sustain "any service".

One person who has used the centre for around 20 years told News Shopper the closure would lead to people taking their own lives.

Victor Logan, 58, of Farmdale Road, Charlton, said: "This is short-sighted planning which will lead to more people committing suicide and more ending up on hospital wards.

"It is a precious lifeline for people with mental health issues to meet professionals who have some understanding.

"It is a help point and they can discuss their difficulties in a low key way and get the help they need - sometimes I’ve been a few times a week."

Mr Logan has been against the closure but said he will consider using the new service.

A Bexley Council spokesman said: "Mental health recovery day services are jointly commissioned by Bexley Council and NHS Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

"Service users have been working closely with us and NHS Bexley CCG to review existing services.

"The contract for mental health recovery services was put out for tender last year and awarded to Mind in Bexley earlier this year.

"The new services will focus on supporting the individual and ensuring that they have a tailored plan that helps them recover."

"The new redesigned services will also support people who need help to access services directly from their own homes where appropriate and, in doing so, improve their access to mainstream local community resources."