A WOMAN told Kirklees Council of her anguish over plans to close an old people's home.
Wendy Storey, of Batley, spoke out at the full council meeting yesterday.
She explained that her 89-year-old mother was a resident at Knowl Park House, Mirfield.
"The home she's in is absolutely fantastic. The staff are brilliant," she said.
The home is one of two which the Liberal Democrat Cabinet wants to shut. Both Knowl Park and Oakes Villa at Oakes could be converted into day care centres for old people rather than long-term homes.
The proposals will be discussed at a Kirklees Cabinet meeting next Wednesday.
A controversial overhaul of five old people's complexes also includes developing Claremont House, Heckmondwike, into a home for people with mental health needs, and Ings Grove House, Mirfield, into a short break unit.
Moorlands Grange, Netherton, would remain as a long stay residential establishment under the plans.
Speaking at the full council meeting yesterday, Tory councillor Ken Sims urged caution.
He asked for more time for consultations.
Clr Sylvia Smithson, Cabinet member for social services, said that if the changes went ahead there would be better quality day care, more respite care beds, the creation of 114 en suite rooms and increased provision for those with mental health needs.
"I'm not sure why everybody wants to keep our local authority homes when it costs so much to run them," she said.
Tory leader Clr Robert Light called for budget changes to release money to keep the homes.
"If you want to find the money and you can find it then that's fine, but don't kid the people it's going to be for free," Liberal Democrat deputy leader Clr John Smithson responded.
Labour leader Clr Mehboob Khan said he did not want to see an over-reliance on private sector provision.
He said changes in central government budgeting could mean more cash for old people's services from next April.
"This council will be able to borrow money under prudential guidelines to invest in older people's homes," he said.
