AM Calls on Commissioner for Older People to support Crosfield House

3.50.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 10th Jun 2008

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has made representations to the Commissioner for Older People, Ruth Marks, calling upon her to back the fight to save Crosfield House in Rhayader.

Kirsty Williams said: "Crosfield House provides vital residential nursing care for many elderly and infirm people, both with and without a history of service in the Armed Forces.

"I have written to the commissioner asking her to make representations to the Royal British Legion in London to reconsider their proposals. I have also invited her to come to Rhayader and meet with local campaigners to discuss their concerns.

"I am very concerned that the consultation period is only for 30 days, as this will give too limited a time for the residents, relatives and staff to make submissions, particularly given the strength of feeling over the issue. It is outrageous that following the closure of the consultation the Board of Trustees will have only 3 days to consider submissions and come to a conclusion; this is quite simply not long enough for a decision of this importance.

"The closure will not only affect the home's residents and their relatives, but as the largest individual employer in Rhayader it will have a devastating economic impact upon the area. "

Notes:

The British Legion has opened a consultation on the future of the care home following funding difficulties.

The consultation closes on 22nd June 2008; for further information contact 0207 973 7256 or crosfield@britishlegion.org.uk

Kirsty Williams AM today secured the support of the WAG for the Care Home during FMQ's.

Kirsty Williams AM and Roger Williams MP for Brecon and Radnorshire along with Brecon RAFA Club recently met with the Rhayader Branch of the British Legion to put forward concerns about the proposals. They have also had discussions with both the Chief Executive of Powys County Council and the Head of Adult Services & Commissioning to seek workable alternatives to closure. Kirsty Williams will next week be meeting with Powys County Council Officers to find a way to take these propositions forward with the Royal British Legion.

Roger Williams MP has raised his concerns with the Chief Executive of the Royal British Legion in London and on the 19th June will be accompanying a delegation to meet with the Trustees of the Royal British Legion in London to call upon them to reverse this decision.