2nd September 2007

The Stroud Town Mayor, John Marjoram has responded with anger at news of the closure of Weavers Croft, the inpatient centre for older people with mental health problems in Stroud.

John Marjoram, who organised the Health protest march last year against local cuts said said: "I couldn’t believe that this centre which opened some 20 years ago is closing. It was heralded as a step forward in health provision for older people and to keep them physically closer to their dear ones. This is a betrayal of those objectives and I consider a direct attack on the most vulnerable people, and their often-older carers, in our community."

John Marjoram continued: "Stroud like most towns in Gloucestershire has an increase of older people and this local provision is now needed more than ever. Most of those people going to Weavers Croft are suffering from illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease; they don’t need high tech treatment but TLC (tender loving care) and the support of nearby relatives. Their treatment is now going to be-centralised centre in Cheltenham and I maintain to save money at the expense of those patients and their relatives. It will take hours longer now to visit people who are ill."

John Marjoram said: "This is a reprehensible measure and a backward step in care in our community.  Further the Government is supposed to be cutting CO2 emissions, this will only increase them. As Mayor I will be asking our MP, David Drew to attend, as early as possible, a public meeting on this important issue to answer questions on this irresponsible plan and call for this Government to rescind this decision."

Philip Booth a Stroud District councillilor and spokesperson for Gloucestershire Green parties said: "News that Weavers Croft in Stroud, Colliers Court in Cinderford and Holly House in Gloucester will all close in 18 months is shameful. This is bad for patients, carers and the environment. The Government instead of privatising evermore of our NHS and overseeing evermore taxpayers money boost the profits of private companies, should be investing properly in proper local public health services."