Madam,

What a contradictory letter to the Cambrian News written by Penparcau county councillor Lorrae Jones-Southgate re the vigil outside Bodlondeb Home, Penparcau – firstly applauding the determination and commitment of the demonstrators in her first paragraph re the Aberystwyth Day Centre (the demonstrators continuing to show that it has gone from Park Avenue but is not forgotten) and then going on to request that the demonstrators refrain from their ‘vigil’ outside Bodlondeb Home writing “it will create unnecessary anxiety for the existing residents and staff within”.

I ask on what information does Cllr Jones-Southgate base this?

These demonstrators are all well-informed, dedicated adults and do not want or deserve to be asked to refrain from their ‘vigil’ when they are acting in the future interest of not only Penparcau residents, but all of Ceredigion who may well seek residential care in the future, or are now resident.

Cllr Jones-Southgate also writes, I am sure sincerely, that “There is much work and discussion continuing to ensure that services remain at Bodlondeb”, but this is seen by so many as just hot air which will end in privatisation. Privatising Bodlondeb will ensure that residence will only be for those who can afford it unless they need nursing care financed by the NHS.

The elderly residents who cannot be looked after by Care In The Community but require residential but not the nursing element could end up residing far from home if they do not have the finance to sustain living in a private home.

I do believe that both present and future residents will thank these demonstrators if they are able to convince the local authority that Bodlondeb should remain as it is.

Name and address supplied