Protest to fight for care homes

A major demonstration against plans to close care homes in Staffordshire is set to take place in Cannock this weekend. The protest aims to raise awareness of the plans and put pressure on the county council.

The event at the bandstand in the Market Place, is being structured as a fun celebration of the work going on at Chase Day Service day centre, and will be include banners, live music and a choir.

Organisers are hoping anyone who is against the county council's plans will give their support between noon and 2pm on Saturday.

Local singer David Taylor, will be lending his support and performing on the day.

Jenna Birks, whose disabled brother attends the centre in Longford Road, said: "My brother is in danger of having his services taken away by the shameful county council policy.

"Together we can and will make aÊdifference.ÊWe will show the county council, that theirÊpolicy is totally unacceptable to the vast majority of Staffordshire people.

"If our services are closed they will be gone forever."

Two days earlier, on Thursday, officials will be at the day centre to discuss the issue.

Phil Smith, the area's social care director, said:"We would like to assure everyone that nothing will be closed unless something better is firmly in place."