Protest against remodelling adult supported living care outside Town Hall

Protestors against remodelling adult supported living care outside Rochdale Town Hall

A protest against the Council’s proposals to remodel adult supported living care took place outside Rochdale Town Hall prior to the full council meeting on Wednesday evening (19 October).

John Morrison from Unison introduced Sue Brooke, whose son Andrew would be affected by the proposals.

Sue gave a passionate speech from a parental perspective to the protesters gathered outside the Town Hall in the rain.

A petition containing approximately 3,000 signatures opposing the cuts was later presented by Sue, her son Andrew, John and Veronica Gater, another representative of an affected family, to the Mayor Ray Dutton prior to the council meeting.

John Morrison, Sue Brooke, Andrew Brooke and Veronica Gater

John said his previous attempts at arranging a meeting with the Council to address the issue had been declined.

Before the petition was presented, a Council spokesperson told the group that if at least 3,000 signatures were gathered, a date would be arranged for people wishing to air their concerns.

The issue was addressed during the council meeting with Councillor Billy Sheerin saying that the cuts were a matter of using the budget wisely, rather than slashing the expenditure. He reiterated that no-one would be forced to move.

He added that no final decision had been made.

Councillor Jane Howard addressed the matter of extending the consultation period, as she felt the standard 45 days’ notice would not be enough for those with communication issues.

• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/105515/cuts-to-adult-care-vigil-against-the-worst-council-decision-ever-made