Hargreaves House Respite Home

[g jones]

The County last month voted to close 2 of 8 this year with 2 further closures next year to save £3.5m. Disabled childrens parents are campaigning desperately to keep these facilities.

I saw in the paper my great friend leading the campaign with Tory Councillors holding a large banner. Rather surprising as as a County Councillor he voted to close respite centres and pass the current budget.

However he has told angry parents he is acting as a District Councillor opposing the cuts.

A vigil was organised by residents for last Thursday. The Conservative protest picture was taken in advance and sent to the media with no one else present. Particularly the organisers and disabled children affected.

Why does he do such things? Doesn't he realise he'll be found out? One parent who did catch him blasted him for it. It gives every elected member a bad name.

[Ken Moss]

As someone who was unable to go to the public event on Saturday morning I attended the vigil last Thursday. Or at least I thought I did, the photo in the paper less than four hours later implied that the opposition members didn't turn up.

The (daylight?) vigil was moved twice and probably rubbed many parents up the wrong way for completely stealing the media limelight. In retrospect I'm almost sorry that I went because the whole thing seemed to be more about publicity for councillors than the respite centre. However, one of those present got a monumental public roasting for seemingly doing a u-turn and jumping on the bandwagon so it was worth it for that alone.

I hope that the Saturday morning event was more successful for their cause, if the respite centre remains open then it is primarily down to the efforts of the parents and public.

[flashy]

what a ****** he is

[cashman]

Originally Posted by flashy

what a ****** he is

Name that ******.

[flashy]

Uncle Fester, the so called 'leader'

[Bernard Dawson]

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

As someone who was unable to go to the public event on Saturday morning I attended the vigil last Thursday. Or at least I thought I did, the photo in the paper less than four hours later implied that the opposition members didn't turn up.

The (daylight?) vigil was moved twice and probably rubbed many parents up the wrong way for completely stealing the media limelight. In retrospect I'm almost sorry that I went because the whole thing seemed to be more about publicity for councillors than the respite centre. However, one of those present got a monumental public roasting for seemingly doing a u-turn and jumping on the bandwagon so it was worth it for that alone.

I hope that the Saturday morning event was more successful for their cause, if the respite centre remains open then it is primarily down to the efforts of the parents and public.

There was a really good turnout Ken.

[Ken Moss]

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

There was a really good turnout Ken.

Fantastic, good luck to all those who have campaigned for their respite centres.

I've been approached by quite a few residents who have explained what an invaluable resource they are and so I fully support their petition. One gentleman told me that they had been offered money to cushion the blow of closure but he said quite emphatically that they don't want money, they want the time that Hargreaves House gives them.

The councillors who voted to shut two of them down should at least have the good grace to admit they made an error of judgement. Admitting to residents that you have changed your mind based on the weight of evidence presented to you goes down far better than pretending you were in favour all along.

Or is that just my naivety at work again?

[Neil]

I think some people on here know more than they are letting on

[gynn]

As I understand it, public expenditure is being cut back to 2005 levels.

In 2005 there was enough money in the pot to run Hargreaves House and all the other care homes.

So by cutting spending on care homes, what new things is the Council doing now that it wasn't doing in 2005 that means the care homes have to close?

Dare I say, increased salaries for backroom staff, more money spent on spin to achieve ludicrous "Excellent" badges, and most important of all, Councillors expenses.

After all, unlike the residents of Hargreaves House, it seems, Councillors "have to live!"

[Nickelson]

Hmmmmm I would say write a letter to the local press. But no doubt the Observer got bunged cheap rent in the market hall for biase.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Neil

I think some people on here know more than they are letting on

If you think you know something, why not say it, rather than just give a veiled hint?

After all you're unlikely be censored.

[garinda]

If respite care is removed from these children, which currently allows them to function as a family unit, and the children are forced to live in full time residential care homes, no savings will be made at all. Closing these units is a false economy.

Don't let cash cuts ruin my son's life | Accrington Observer - menmedia.co.uk

As some feared, the cuts seem to be hitting the most vunerable members of society hardest, leaving the fat cat bankers etc. free to carry on living off the fat of the land, whilst some are left with the scrag end.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by garinda

If you think you know something, why not say it, rather than just give a veiled hint?

After all you're unlikely be censored.

I censor myself all the time

My comment was what I think. I think some people who have posted on here know more than they are saying.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Neil

I censor myself all the time

My comment was what I think. I think some people who have posted on here know more than they are saying.

Fair enough.

Takes all sorts.

Personally I never waste my time being cryptic.

If I know something, that I think is relevant, I'll say it.

[Ken Moss]

Smoke and mirrors, it's all the rage.

If it's all the same to you I'll avoid that particular brand of politics and leave it to the professionals.