ARCHIVED news story
Council unanimously backs campaign to save Cygnet House
Released on 24 February 2005
South Norfolk Council has thrown its weight behind the campaign to save specialist care home Cygnet House from possible closure.
The Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership Trust is consulting on its future, and on Monday (21 February 2005), held a meeting in Long Stratton at the council offices, which is close to Cygnet House.
Councillors voted by 42 votes to 0 in support of a motion “deploring” any plans to close the residential home. It went on to say:
“We call upon the partnership to lift the threat of closure from Cygnet House and to re-invest in it as a vital community resource and an essential source of specialist care for some of our most vulnerable people - those suffering from dementia and infirmity in their old age".
Councillor Philip Waltham, Cabinet Member for Better Health and Safer Communities put forward the motion, and Councillor Peter Smith, Liberal Democract Member for Long Stratton opened the debate and won cross-party support. During his opening speech, Councillor Smith said:
“Cygnet House is a very caring place. It’s a home from home. We cannot afford to lose it. We must not lose it.”
Councillor Waltham said: “There is a clear need to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Cygnet House fulfils part of that need and should be allowed to continue doing so. The last thing that vulnerable people need at this often tragic time in their lives is uncertainty about the security of their care in the future.”
He added: “The support provided by Cygnet House and its associates is also essential for the families of those concerned, who are already facing a burden of responsibility. We must not let them down.”
Councillor Martin Wilby, Conservative Member for Dickleburgh, said:
“We must show our support to safeguard Cygnet House for the future.”
And Opposition Leader Councillor John Fuller underlined the feeling of councillors about the possible closure, when he said:
“It is important that we all vote in favour of this motion to give out the strongest message possible that this is unacceptable.”
A letter setting out the council’s decision will be sent to Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership this week.
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