Support grows for care home campaign (From Free Press Series)

Support grows for care home campaign

1:24pm Thursday 4th March 2010

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A PETITION to save a vital respite care home from closure is to be handed to Monmouthshire County Council today.

Meanwhile residents and politicians are lining up to support our campaign to save Budden Crescent Respite Care Home from closure.

Quite simply we want the council to think again before going ahead with any plans to close this vital service. And we are winning support not only from families, who say the closure-threatened home is a lifeline, but also from politicians at all levels.

Monmouthshire council says it has no option but to consult on closure following the decision by Torfaen County Borough council to withdraw its portion of funding.

The council had nothing to add this week when we approached it for further comment on this burning issue.

But families say the decision to close the Caldicot care home, the only one of its kind in Monmouthshire, is short-sighted.

And Jessica Morden MP and John Griffiths AM in whose constituencies the home lies have given our campaign their support.

Mr Griffiths said: "I’m pleased the Free Press is taking up this issue. I’ve been contacted by constituents who have family cared for at Budden Crescent and they are dismayed at the plans.

"I think it’s vital Monmouthshire council listens to these families and understands their concerns. The families and carers of those who use Budden Crescent trust and value the service provided there. I want the council to think again."

Ms Morden said: "Many constituents whose families are cared for by staff at the home have raised this issue with me, expressing their concerns and worries.

"It’s clear this home offers a real helping hand for families. The adults who use the centre are familiar with it and its staff and enjoy their break because of that. I want Monmouthshire council to think again over their plans for this popular respite facility.

Councillor Ron Stewart, who represents Castle ward in Caldicot where Budden Crescent is located will be handing a petition to save the care home signed by hundreds of local residents to the county council tomorrow.

He said: "I’m all for the ‘Free Press’ campaign. Budden Crescent is an excellent service and it seems farcical that the council has relied on Torfaen council to back them.

"There are lots of advantages to having the home in Caldicot. The ground is flat for wheelchairs and the users know people in the area."

Both Nick Ramsay AM and David Davies MP, who represent Monmouthshire said the possible closure of Budden Crescent was a concern but added more pressure should be put on Torfaen council to reinstate its funding.

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