Council accused of underhand tactics on care homes

12.00.00am GMT Mon 1st Mar 2010

Carol Woods joined demonstrators against the closures

Relatives of residents at an under-threat care home have accused the County Council of underhand tactics over the timing of a visit to the home.

While many staff and relatives were taking part in a well-publicised demonstration against the closures on Friday, Council staff visited residents of Glendale House to consult them on the closure. Relatives and union officials have contacted Lib Dem councillor Carol Woods to raise concerns over the council visit, arguing that the Council was wrong to speak to the residents without proper supervision.

Carol Woods said "It is very disappointing that the Council has acted so insensitively. Relatives of residents have expressed their anger that they were not given the chance to be present when the Council visited. Some of the residents are not in a fit state to be grilled by the Council without a family member present. Timing this visit to coincide with the demonstration shows, at best, a complete lack of planning and common sense from the Council. Their actions have really upset many of the old people in Glendale.

"The County Council should stop this consultation now to prevent further upset to the residents and their families."