CAMPAIGNERS fearing for the future of a Bromsgrove care home have begun a petition.

Labour's Worcestershire county councillors, representing Bromsgrove areas, say they believe Exmoor Drive Care Home is under threat.

At the July meeting of Worcestershire County Council's cabinet, seniors members agreed to suspend new admissions to in-house older people's day services and respite services, and to consult with service users and family carers to find alternative providers during a 12 month transition period.

The authority will continue to meet existing service users' needs, if appropriate, and a final decision on the services' future is expected to go before the cabinet in June 2015. 

But the Labour councillors say they fear this is a move towards a closure of four homes including Exmoor Drive in the town.

Labour county councillors Chris Bloore and Luke Mallett, as well as Beacon county councillor Peter McDonald - the leader of the opposition Labour group on the authority - have now set up a petition.

A stall was run on Bromsgrove High Street with hundreds of residents signing the petition that is likely to be handed into the county council next month.

Cllr McDonald said: "On Blackmore House the council said it would look at alternate providers, look at charity.

"A consultation was held but the next thing is the home's closed and gone.

"We are being pre-emptive this time.

"Exmoor Drive is the only care home of its kind in Bromsgrove.

"These vulnerable people need to be looked after by the local authority - most of them have learning difficulties, and will be thrown out onto the streets."

Councillor Chris Bloore said: “Just like Blackmore House before, it seems the county council simply doesn't understand that people value this service.

"You cannot put a price on care like this and I would urge them to think again and secure the homes future.”

Councillor Sheila Blagg, cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, said: "We are aware of a petition against the closure of Exmoor Drive and other care homes.

"Exmoor Drive is a residential home for people with learning disabilities and has only three vacancies.

"There are no proposals to close either Exmoor Drive or any of the council's other internally provided care homes, and these types of actions only serve to upset residents, families and staff unnecessarily.

"The individual ongoing needs and care plans of residents will always be our first priority."