Fight to save care homes
Thousands of people have signed petitions pleading with Staffordshire County Council to keep care for the elderly in-house and save the 22 homes it plans to close.Thousands of people have signed petitions pleading with Staffordshire County Council to keep care for the elderly in-house and save the 22 homes it plans to close. Petitions were submitted from all corners of the county regarding homes including Foxwalls in Stafford where 2,450 signatures had been collected. Other petitions have been raised at Silverdene in Penkridge, Bilbrook in Codsall and homes in Newcastle-under Lyme and Cheadle. There is also one from the Unison, TGWU and GMB unions. The petitioners have the support of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat members and even some Labour councillors, who questioned the county's 'track record' in delivering services and asked whether the cash available will be enough. Read the full story in the Express & Star
Petitions were submitted from all corners of the county regarding homes including Foxwalls in Stafford where 2,450 signatures had been collected.
Other petitions have been raised at Silverdene in Penkridge, Bilbrook in Codsall and homes in Newcastle-under Lyme and Cheadle. There is also one from the Unison, TGWU and GMB unions.
The petitioners have the support of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat members and even some Labour councillors, who questioned the county's 'track record' in delivering services and asked whether the cash available will be enough.Speaking at yesterday's meeting of the full council, Labour member Richard Gorton raised concerns, saying: "What I am concerned about is the March 2008 deadline.
"In the neighbouring authority of Stoke on Trent they are planning to close six homes over two years.
"We are looking to close 22 in 12 months, and I am not sure whether this pace of closure is possible.
"We have to ensure that the alternative care provided is appropriate and can we stand by the guarantee now? What we have is a fair deal for the tax payer, but we need to look at whether we are offering a fair deal to the people in the care system."
He was supported by Conservative member Barrie Mycock who accused the council of giving elderly residents "neither the time or the grace" to let them know what was going on when the plans were at early stages.
Angry and confused protesters believe the county has invested millions in its buildings, despite knowing they would be closed down, in a bid to sell them off, raking in huge profits.
Leader of the council Terry Dix admitted there had been expressions of interest in the homes.
Unions are now set to consider industrial action over the lack of consultation and possible loss of up to 1,500 jobs. Some families are seeking legal advice.
By Sally Walmsley
