AT a meeting of the Royal Naval Association March Branch last Thursday, concerns were raised regarding the short consultation process and the proposed closure of Kingswood Park care home.

Cambridgeshire County Council recently decided not to renew a block booking arrangement with the owners, Methodist Housing Association, which appears to have triggered the proposed closure with MHA giving the excuse that the building is not up to standard.

Whose fault is that? Surely not the residents. We understand developers require the access that would be provided by Kingswoood Park once it is demolished to develop land adjacent to the home.

This consultation is clearly a sop to the legalities required by legislation. The period of consultation allowed was never long enough for any genuine alternatives to be found for the vulnerable residents of the home.

We would question why has the home been allowed to deteriorate to the levels quotes in recent reports? Why has Cambridgeshire County Council decided not to renew the contract?

Why are residents required to move ‘nearby’ to Sawston and Bottisham with visitors, who are themselves mostly pensioners, having to travel some 46 miles to visit vulnerable relatives and friends?

March requires an increase in the number of care places, not less, with an ageing populace living longer.

The March Branch of the Royal Naval Association, with the support of the March Branch of the Royal British Legion, consider this to be a case of profit before care and support all those who are fighting this closure.

R SLADE

Public Relations Officer

Royal Naval Association March Branch

Via e-mail