TEN ELDERLY residents are to lose their home after council chiefs decided to close Bodlondeb despite a fierce fight by campaigners.

In emotional scenes, Cabinet members unanimously backed a narrow decision by a scrutiny committee to recommend closure of the care home by the end of March next year.

But the decision may be called in by unhappy back-bench councillors - giving last-ditch hope to protesters.

Campaigners fought tooth and nail to save the home, arguing that alternative arrangements for care must be in place before a decision was made.

A last-minute protest march was held in the town on Saturday featuring high-profile speakers such as Lord Elystan Morgan and campaigners turned up in force for the Cabinet meeting in Aberaeron on Tuesday.

But the arguments fell on deaf ears and the Plaid Cymru-controlled Cabinet ruled that the home must close.

Social services Cabinet member Catherine Hughes, speaking before the meeting said: “A great deal of hard work and listening has gone into the council’s consideration of the closure of Bodlondeb.

“I’m very aware that the proposed closure of Bodlondeb is an emotive issue for many who treasure the home and quality of care provided there.”

Aberystwyth Liberal Democrat town councillor Charlie Kingsbury said: “Ceredigion Council has a duty of care to its residents, and it’s clear from the turnout at the demonstration that shirking this duty is a betrayal the people of Aberystwyth won’t soon forget."