Save Knowle Manor Campaign

Morley Folk will be aware of the proposed closure programme for Knowle Manor in Morley. Knowle Manor is an older persons residential home run by Leeds City Council. The new Labour controlled Leeds City Council proposed closure regardless of the fact that the home is in good condition and has an Excellent rating from the Care Quality Commission. Many of the residents are elderly and disabled with the oldest resident being 102 years old.

We have said closure is unacceptable and formally called for the closure plan to be abandoned. News today shows that the troubled Private Care provided Southern Cross operates in the Leeds area and has over 300 beds which are under threat. One of the arguments for closure of Knowle Manor is that the Private sector can do things more cheaply and there is "overcapacity". This statement has to be challenged following the news of Southern Cross as well as the Panorama programme which exposed care deficiencies from another Private "Care" provider.

We are campaigning hard against closure and will be taking signatures on a petition to request Leeds City Council abandons closure of this much needed and loved local resource. We have a rally planned for Saturday 11th June at 11am and we call on residents to attend to support out campaign.

All that's left is to apportion blame for the present financial mess which has led to this closure proposal. There is little doubt that the new CON-Lib Government is attempting to cut the deficit too quickly and that is causing pain. But the main responsibility lies with the previous Labour Government for creating the Deficit in the first place - and this includes our own local MP Ed Balls. Labours suggestion that its "nothing to do with me Guv!" is dishonest and they should accept their part in the present problems Knowle Manor faces. Their recent election material claims we needed to send the Government a clear message. Perhaps Morley Folk should send Labour a clear message and say closure of Knowle Manor is unacceptable!

Join our campaign and sign the petition or attend the rally. Together we can stop this closure programme.