Walton House residents were begging to not be moved away

5:00pm Wednesday 5th November 2008

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REGARDING the article about Walton House Care Home (Guardian, October 23), councillor Liz Phillips comments: “It was quite calm at the three meetings with residents and the only ones actually stirring it were some of the families of residents, who were shouting and saying ‘come on we have got to save the care home. ”

These comments are untrue.

As relatives of the residents in Walton House, we need to keep you informed of the true facts.

There have only been two consultation meetings with relatives and residents.

The first one was held on August 12 and the second on October 1.

Cllr Phillips only attended the first meeting and even at this meeting there were residents who were voicing their opposition to any plans to move away from Walton House.

At the second meeting, where Cllr Phillips was not present, there were several residents who were openly begging for their home to not be closed.

Cllr Phillips says the residents of Walton House will be able to move in friendship groups, and will be able to choose where they live.

Again this is not true, the choice will be very limited. Cllr Phillips claims the closure of Walton House will save the council £800,000, which roughly equates to £325 per person per week.

Therefore if 46 people go to a home of their choice it will definitely cost more – the sums do not add up.

Jean James Shaw, Save Walton House Action Group.