Bryneithin care home campaigners take to the streets

MORE than 150 people showed their support for Bryneithin Care Home by marching through Dinas Powys on Saturday.

The Keep Bryneithin Open Group held a peaceful protest as they walked with banners from Camms Corner to the under-threat home on St Andrew’s Road.

A 12-week public consultation into Bryneithin’s future will end on March 31, after the Vale of Glamorgan Council put a block on admissions.

The home is the only one in the Vale that caters for people with dementia – but has been deemed unfit for purpose.

Sylvia Bowen, of the Keep Bryneithin Open Group and whose 85-year-old mother Kathleen Cooke has been a resident at Bryneithin for four years, said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of people who took part in the march and to each and every one of you we say a huge thank you.

“All political parties on Dinas Powys Community Council are united in their support to keep this quality specialised EMI home open, yet not one Conservative Vale councillor has openly stated any opinion on Bryneithin.

“It’s a great care home, a lovely place and the residents are so happy.

“Their quality of life just wouldn’t be the same anywhere else.”

In their bid to keep the home open, the Keep Bryneithin Open Group has also raised a petition signed by 2,600 people.

Dinas Powys-based Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks took part in the march and has backed calls for Bryneithin to remain open.

“Bryneithin is a successful, well run home,” he said.

“In fact, compared to other sections of the Social Service Department, it is something we can be proud of. “Plaid wants to know where the residents will be accommodated and how will the Vale cope with future demand?

“This consultation process is a farce. “There are no clear indicators for the future care of dementia sufferers.”