Families of residents at a dementia care home have accused Warrington Borough Council of a ‘cloak and dagger’ operation which could shut the home.
Residents at Woodleigh Community Support Centre could face having to find new homes as the council outlines budget cuts which they fear could close the Callands Road centre.
Angela Cowap, whose 87-year-old mum Avis Lowe is a resident, said: “It’s a lovely home, my mum has been in three and this is by far the best. It’s absolutely unforgivable if they shut it.”
But council bosses said no decision had been taken about any proposals.
Families say the budget consultation is too vague as they were not aware the plans to transfer in-house social care services to alternative providers meant the home was at risk.
“They say everything is open and transparent, I don’t think it is,” added Mrs Cowap.
“There is no way you would think that document would affect any particular care home.”
The centre offers respite and longer care to a total of 39 residents and there are 31 people currently living there.
It offers specialist care for people with dementia.
Mrs Cowap, of Hampton Drive, Great Sankey, added: “Residents can’t just be rehomed, they have to have specific care, and with Woodleigh they get that.
“Six months ago we needed to find a home for my mother and there wasn’t anywhere where we live in Great Sankey and Penketh.”
Families are trying to get the message to others who have relatives in the home who do not yet know about the threat.
Joe Blott, executive director of neighbourhoods and community services, said: “The council is currently consulting with residents and service users on its budget.
“We want to reassure residents that no decision has been taken with regards to any of the proposals set out in the budget, including the proposal to transfer in-house social care services to alternative providers. Until the consultation closes on 31 January, the proposals remain just that.”
Source: Warrington Guardian