A PETITION signed by more than 500 people calling for a much-loved Stonehouse care home to be saved from closure has been presented to council leaders.

Gloucestershire County Council leaders approved plans earlier this year to consult about the potential closure of care homes run by the Orders of St John.

The care homes affected are The Elms in Stonehouse, Orchard House in Bishop’s Cleeve, Westbury Court in the Forest of Dean and Bohanam House in Gloucester. 

The council says these proposals come after a period of engagement with Gloucestershire’s independent care market at the end of 2021.

Home is essential part of the community say campaigners

But residents in Stonehouse say The Elms is an essential part of the local community and to many it is a “big family home”.

Local people are concerned about the uncertainty and say moving the residents to another care home would unsettle them and cause distress.

The petition was presented by Cllr Nick Housden (C, Stonehouse) to adult social care commissioning cabinet member Carole Allaway-Martin (C, Coleford) at the council meeting at Quayside House in Gloucester on May 18.

The petition reads: “Please save The Elms from potential closure and back our petition as this is a very upsetting time for the residents, staff and families to which some have already been through before and now they are facing this uncertain time again.”

There are also petitions to save Bohanam House in Gloucester and Westbury Court in the Forest of Dean.

The consultation’s findings will be reported to cabinet in June, where cabinet members will be asked to take a final decision on whether or not to proceed with the closure of the four homes.

Residents have been told they do not need to do anything at the moment. They will continue to receive the care they need, the council says.

If plans to close are approved, it says residents and those who support them will be fully supported in finding the most appropriate way to meet their needs.