Willows Edge Care Home in Newbury closure fears as West Berkshire Council criticised for not protecting vulnerable

West Berkshire Council’s pledge to support vulnerable people has been criticised – as it plans to close a care home for dementia patients to save money.

A petition has now been launched after the announcement that the council run home for up to 38 dementia patients must either close or be run by another organisation.

There are now more than a thousand signatures on that petition.

But the council wants to save £240k and not be faced with costs of upgrading the facility.

The move is part of a range of cuts and cost ‘restructuring’ the council has announced to plug the £10m gap in its budget.

The petition was launched by Lisa Williams, who said: “Willows Edge is not just a facility; it is a thriving, compassionate community that houses someone’s mother, father, wife, husband, son, daughter, grandparents and great-grandparents.

“Many of the residents are living with dementia, facing the challenges of a diagnosis that can be inherently frightening.

“The decision to transition from their family homes to Willows Edge was a significant and emotional step towards providing them with a safe haven and a nurturing environment.

“However, they now find themselves in the face of a decision that threatens to uproot the cherished residents once again.”

The home, at Hutton Close, Newbury, can accommodate 38 people.

“It’s not the best building, but it is home for these people and the staff and residents have a real community.”

Jean O Reilly added: “My mother, a 93-year-old resident at Willows Edge Care Home, suffers from dementia and vascular dementia.

“She has found comfort and trust in her carers at this facility. The proposed closure of this home would not only disrupt her life but also those of many other vulnerable residents who have made Willows Edge their home.

“The potential closure would cause significant distress to them and their families. It is not just about moving locations - it’s about uprooting lives, breaking trust, losing friends, and starting over again in an unfamiliar environment.”

Willows Edge Care Home, is one of three local authority care homes run by West Berkshire Council.

The families of residents at Willows Edge claim the other two homes are already at full occupancy, so there are no other places that the residents can be moved to within the area.

But council leader Lee Dillon said West Berkshire WAS protecting vulnerable people - one of the key strategies of the council.

“We would look to place these people in other care homes in the district,” he said. “It works out at £400 per week per person less for us to do this.”

You can find the petition online at https://tinyurl.com/mwxf8uee

The matter is due for discussion at tomorrow’s (Thursday) executive committee meeting along with other cuts and charging changes being proposed