Still fighting closure of care homes

Jan 9 2002 By The Evening Gazette

Protesters fighting the closure of two old people's homes were due to gather outside a special meeting of Stockton Council's Cabinet today.

They hoped arguments and the strength of feeling against the closures, including a 14,000 name petition, would sway Cabinet members into rejecting the plans.

It is the second time the issue, involving the closure of Billingham's Belasis and Stockton's Tithebarn elderly care homes, has come before Cabinet members.

The first time was early December when the proposals, which also include selling Rosedale at Bishopsgarth and retaining Parkview at Thornaby, were agreed.

The matter then went before a scrutiny committee, whose members referred it back to Cabinet for further consideration - and because they agreed the council decision-makers needed more details about the financial implications.

The meeting was due to be held at Billingham Council Offices, Town Square, Billingham, at 4.30pm.