Campaigners against the planned closure of residential care homes and day centres are staging an unusual protest today outside St Mary’s Church in Swansea town Centre.
Campaigners are taking to their beds in the streets to highlight the consequences of the council’s proposals.
UNISON and families of residents in Swansea council’s care homes will be asking shoppers to stop at their bedsides to sign the petition against the plans.
Under the proposals, the council will close three care homes, as yet unnamed, ahead of the ultimate closure of all six in the area. The proposals extend to the day centres within the city which also face closure.
Mark Turner, UNISON area organiser, said:
“Whilst we have heard that the labour group has agreed a delay in the closure, the long term plan remains that all six residential care homes will close.
“There are so many unanswered questions that leave people fearful for their future. What will happen to our elderly residents? Why is a labour council still proposing to turf vulnerable people out of their homes? Where is the evidence to reassure residents about their future?
“We are also concerned that senior council officers are not being honest with the public or, it would appear, the labour group.
“We have been told that the day centres will close and that any provision which is made by charities or volunteers will not be replacement services, but at best, luncheon clubs. They will not be anything like the full, professional service currently run by the council.
“That’s why we are urging people to keep up the pressure, sign our petition or online petition and come to our demonstration at the Guildhall at 4.30pm on 4th February. Alternatives to these cuts must be found.”
