The Conservative City Council plans to close two residential care homes for the elderly (Birch Lawn in Sholing and Whitehaven Lodge in Redbridge) without providing any replacement. 

(picture courtesy of Southern Daily Echo)

I think that these closures, and the way they have been handled, are just plain wrong.  The Conservatives just want to cut costs.  I think that public money should be well used but, when it comes to older people, I think quality matters too.  The residents in Birch Lawn are the generation that went through a world war and they deserve better treatment than being told they have to move out of their homes to save money.  The Council was only going to allow a few weeks to consult residents and their families but, thankfully, public pressure has shamed the Conservatives into postponing their final decision until 27^th October.  This gives us time to campaign to make sure our older people are looked after better in future.

The cuts to bus services, children’s swimming and now care homes show that this Conservative Council believes only in saving money and cares little for the elderly, the young or the vulnerable.  But the Conservatives are perfectly happy to spend thousands of pounds on a new office for Deputy Leader Royston Smith.   I think that they have their priorities completely wrong.

I’m asking for your support for my campaign to stop the closure of Birch Lawn unless a brand-new, modern replacement is built (as was planned by Labour Councillors).  Please complete the survey below.