Relatives gather outside council meeting to protest against care home closure plan
Around 50 relatives of residents living at a Tipton care home protested outside Sandwell Council last night as councillors discussed its future.
Clad in t-shirts and sweatshirts bearing the words "Save Our Home", they were objecting to a proposal for Walker Grange care home in Central Avenue to be put on the market for £500,000 by the authority.
The relatives were one of three separate protest groups with placards and banners challenging Sandwell representatives as they gathered for the full council meeting on Tuesday.
Dozens of people were stationed outside Sandwell Council House in Freeth Street concerned about the proposed sale of a cherished care home in Tipton, allegations of a racism "cover-up" at the authority relating to ousted councillor Mahboob Hussain, as well as plans to build 560 homes on green space in Brandhall.
Protestors chanted as councillors entered the building prior to the meeting, which discussed the care home proposal.
Some 50 relatives of people living at Walker Grange care home in Tipton, clad in t-shirts and sweatshirts bearing the words "Save Our Home", were objecting to a proposal that the Central Avenue facility be put on the market for £500,000 by the authority.
They are calling for the care home, which accommodates 22 people, to be saved and improved.
Diane Anderson Smith, whose father Louis has lived at the home for two years, said the council insists the care home is under-occupied and outdated, despite it "only being 29 years old".
“The community is outraged,” said Diane, 47.
“We started an online petition to save the care home which has attracted more than 1,000 signatures, and I have done some door-knocking and we have more than 500 signatures on paper.
“We relatives live close to Walker Grange, my dad has independent assisted living and can pop in and see me.
“Unfortunately the council is proposing that residents go to a building in Rowley Regis which is five miles away.”
