DOZENS of elderly residents could be forced to give up their accommodation within weeks after councillors gave the go-ahead to close two council- run care homes.
Occupants of Whitehaven Lodge and Birch Lawn homes will now be moved into new dwellings throughout the summer, but campaigners have vowed to continue fighting the decision at the High Court.
The city council’s Cabinet voted unanimously in favour of closing the two homes for the second time after a previous decision was put on hold after residents applied for a judicial review.
They claimed the move, which leaves up to 35 pensioners in need of relocating, was unlawful because it failed to consider how an eviction would affect their health.
Care bosses have since carried out a confidential audit on the residents and told the meeting last night they were confident all occupants could be moved safely as part of an action plan that could see them relocated during the summer.
They called upon councillors to close the two homes claiming a fall in demand for residential care in the city and the chance to save £500,000 by using private sector care instead.
But in an emotional appeal to councillors, Whitehaven Lodge resident Fran Froden, 84, begged councillors to reconsider.
“This is our home. We like it and don’t want to move. Why are you causing us all this worry at our age?
“You might as well give me a couple of tablets and put me to sleep,” she said.
Campaigner Dave Berry said: “A judicial review at the High Court is now the only way we can pursue our campaign.
“What the city council has done is nothing short of cruel, this was a decision of pounds above people,”
he added.
Health and Community Care boss Jane Brentnor told the Cabinet that the council would look at each resident’s needs individually when placing them in a new home.
She said they would take into account friendship groups, medical needs, and offer visits to the new homes before any move, while taking advantage of the summer to avoid adverse weather when relocating residents.
Council leader Alec Samuels said the decision was a difficult one to make but had to be done to benefit the care of around 500 elderly people living in Southampton.
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