Anger amid campaign to rescue Shropshire home

An online petition has been set up to fight against the closure of Westlands Care Home in Wem after Coverage Care Services announced it could be closing its doors in a matter of months.

Bernadette Kent, who has set up the petition and has relatives at the home, said: "The community has been shocked by the announcement of the closure and the speed of progressing closure by moving on residents before any consultation has happened.

"These residents are having to move out of their local area, their needs for stability are not being considered."

The care company announced it had begun consultation into the closure with a view to close in early April.

A final decision is expected at the beginning of March and will leave 54 staff and 31 long-term residents forced to relocate.

More than 200 people have so far signed the petition.

And at a public meeting held this week, residents, town councillors and staff called for a fresh meeting with representatives the company.

Chief executive David Coull was invited to the meeting at Edinburgh House but residents were disappointed to find out no representative would be attending.

One resident who attended the packed meeting, John Dodson, said: "I think it is an insult to residents of Westlands and the families and people of Wem that David Coull is not prepared to answer questions."

Councillor Connie Granger added: "I am really mad, and very furious that there is no representative from Coverage Care here tonight."

A statement from Coverage Care Services given after the event said: "Managers and directors have focused their time and attention on meeting with and supporting the residents and their families, as well as the staff of Westlands.

"They have always been the key concern and will remain so. Sad as it is, as a not-for-profit company, to have to close a home that is long past its prime it has always been our desire to manage this in a caring, respectful and responsible manner.

"The reasons for this situation have been extensively discussed with residents and their families, staff, Shropshire Council, which is the owner of the property, and at a meeting with the elected representatives of the people of Wem, at their request."

Head of services for improvement and efficiency of adult services at Shropshire Council Ruth Houghton revealed at the meeting that it was the council's ambition to turn the site into extra-care housing for elderly people in Wem.

She said the site could provide homes where residents would be tenants or owner-occupiers with flexible care on site. She said demand for care is now found in supporting people in their own homes and nursing care, rather than residential care.

The petition can be viewed at www.you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-the-closure-of-wem-care-home-in-shropshire