THE chairman of Mitcheldean Parish Council has slammed plans to close a care home in the village as nothing more than a ’cost-cutting exercise’.

Councillor Jackie Fraser hit out after it emerged that Townsend House is under threat.

The Order of St John Trust, which runs the care home, says Townsend House is only 80 per cent full and is therefore running at a loss.

The matter has been passed on to Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet, who will decide the care home’s fate next Wednesday, July 18.

But Cllr Fraser does not believe enough has been done to fill the beds on Court Farm Lane and saw angry residents ’spilling out onto the streets’ at a parish council meeting on Monday night.

“We had a meeting with a representative of the County Council, which owns the building, and there were so many people there,” she said.

“It’s a very emotive situation. People are very happy there and if they can’t be homed in Townsend House then they’ll have to be moved to places like Westbury.

“From what we gathered the problem is that there is only 80 per cent occupancy there.

“There’s going to be a 12-week consultation to see which home those living in Townsend House would be transferred to.

“There are 60 people working there, many who live in Mitcheldean, and they say they will not be made redundant but losing them will hit the shops in the village."Trevone House in Gloucester is similarly under threat.Dan Hayes, Chief Executive at The Orders of St John Care Trust, said: “Our priority is the wellbeing of our residents and we along with the council will be providing support to all individuals and families affected to ensure a smooth transition to alternative local accommodation if the proposal is supported. “On the basis that the two homes close, all our employees will be offered roles in other OSJCT homes and hence we are not planning for any redundancies.“Over the past five years, more people are being helped to live at home or are choosing more modern, newer care homes in their area. “Townsend House and Trevone House, which are both older-style homes, have been significantly impacted by these changes and are no longer financially sustainable. “In discussions with the council we have been unable to find any alternative options that would make these homes viable.  “GCP has therefore asked that cabinet consider its proposals to close both homes and help residents relocate to existing homes in the local areas that suit their needs.”Cllr Roger Wilson, cabinet member for adult social care commissioning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I would like to reassure residents, their families and staff that if the decision is taken to close the homes, we will do all we can to support them. “We will make sure they understand all of the options that are available to them and are helped through this period of change.”UPDATE: There is a meeting on Monday July 16 at 7pm at St Michael & All Angels Church, Mitcheldean. A Representative from the care trust is expected to attend.The meeting originally arranged for Friday July 13 is cancelled.