SIR: I am writing in response to the letter from P & A Derbyshire 'These cutbacks are really cruel'(BEN, September 24)

in respect of the closure of Stocks Park House.

While I recognise the genuine concerns that people have about the closures I feel it is necessary to put right the factually incorrect and therefore misleading information in the letter.

Firstly, there has been no reductions whatsoever in the number of hours worked by staff, nor indeed any reduction in weekly wages.

It is also inaccurate to say that staff will lose their jobs when the home closes. Detailed discussions will take place with all staff and their trade union representatives and we are hopeful that all staff will be satisfactorily redeployed.

The decision to close homes was an extremely difficult one and not taken lightly. However, the need to make savings on the budget coupled with the need to invest more money in services designed to support people at home, has left us with no other option.

I understand that it is a very difficult and distressing time for all concerned and do not believe it is helpful to raise anxieties further by making statements which are incorrect.

Cllr C Morris

Vice Chairman of Social Services

Bolton Metro, Town Hall, Bolton

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