FOLLOWING a second "show" of public consultation, Bury Council's executive committee have confirmed a decision to close four old folks homes and change the use of others.

Whilst various reasons are given to justify this, I believe that it is in order to conform to the directives implicit in the Local Government Act 1999, Part 1 (Best Value). This exercise in privatisation and cutbacks is prevalent in the public services and the justification always fits the policies already decided by central government.

Bury Pensioners Association strongly oppose these attacks on old people, especially when the real reason for closures is simply to correct an imbalance between Bury and the other pilot councils which has resulted in Bury, ridiculously, having 170 places too many! So we have to push the old folks out into the community, into their own homes with very stretched home carers; into very sheltered housing; or into private homes which are closing at the rate of ten a week.

There has been insufficient consultation with the residents and, for this reason, we are supporting legal proceedings on their behalf. To give visible proof of the strong opposition to closures, there will be a peaceful "crossing protest" on Knowsley Street in Kay Gardens at 11am tomorrow. There needs to be a mass turnout to make it work so if you care, be there!

Finally, we were encouraged by Alan Prentiss, Unison general secretary, congratulating Preston branch on helping prevent the closure of LCC homes. It would be good if Bury branch could follow their example and join us tomorrow.

JIM HOMEWOOD,

Bury Pensioners Assn.