Closures 'a mistake'

I am extremely disappointed and saddened by the proposed closure of all the Staffordshire County Council homes and day care centres.

During my time as leader and cabinet member for social services (2001-2005) I had the privilege to meet many highly-skilled staff and well-cared-for and loved residents during my visits to all these facilities.

I do understand the financial problems that have to be overcome by the county council but it appears to me that the £19 million required to be invested in the next three years can only be raised by selling off all these very well run homes, otherwise where is the money coming from?

The county council should also take into account that once the homes are closed the placements for the elderly will only be met by the private sector. Relatives and carers may wish to place their loved ones into a council-run home but will not now have the choice.

The day care centres and homes also meet high standards for people who suffer from various illnesses, such as dementia.

This can be a much larger group than just the elderly, so causing other problems within the community.

During my last four years as a cabinet member all of the homes were refurbished and updated, at ratepayers' expense, to give our elderly residents better facilities. The county council, by applying these new proposals, will now deny the elderly people the chance to use all these improvements.

I have for many years heard the old one-liner about people not wishing to move out of their homes, and I for one accept this. However, there comes a time in life where you require help and care. Not providing day care facilities can lead to isolation for the individual.

I wish finally to come to my favourite topic of the Great Wyrley Day Care Centre and Respite Unit. I had the pleasure to help raise all the capital and various grants via the county council for this well-used centre to be transformed from a previous school building.

This is a typical example of what was achieved across the county of Staffordshire. What a pity this was all in vain!

I believe that it is a fundamental mistake to close all the homes and that the county council should review its position.

Alderman Ken Bullock, Love Lane, Great Wyrley.