Caldicot care home closure decision due

A PLAN to close a care home is to go to consultation, councillors decided this week. Monmouthshire Council’s cabinet approved officers’ recommendations to consult on the possible closure of Budden Crescent in Caldicot at a council meeting on Wednesday.

The facility, which provides respite care for 40 adults with learning difficulties, came under threat after Torfaen council pulled out of funding two of its five beds and following a perceived poor cash settlement from the Assembly.

The home allows service users a change of scenery while giving their carers a break.

On the table are a range of alternative respite options, including residential beds in privately owned houses.

At the cabinet meeting Cllr Brian Hood said the council’s social services were always reviewing services.

He added: “The whole review wasn’t and isn’t about money but obviously we have to take that into account, even more so today because of restrictions on budget.”

Head of social services Moyna Wilkinson said the council recognised how hard the move is, and said it is committed to providing respite.

But Caldicot councillor and Labour group leader Jim Higginson called for the centre to be saved.

He said the facility is excellent and is appreciated by the families that use it.

“I think we should be pulling out all the stops to keep Budden Crescent,” he added.

Councillors Roger Evans and Jacqui Sullivan asked for the plan to go to adult select committee for further scrutiny, but cabinet chose to go ahead with the consultation, which will run until the end of April.