CAMPAIGNERS have failed in a last-ditch attempt to halt the closure of a Wirral care home.
During an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, councillors heard claims that alternative services Girtrell Court fell 'well short' of what was promised.
Councillors voted to close the centre, in Saughall Massie, in November with the aim of saving the authority £155,000.
Services will transfer to a new purpose-built facility in Tollemache Road, Birkenhead, run by Sanctuary Housing.
It emerged during Monday's meeting that Girtrell Court is still in use as preparation work continues on the Tollemache Road site.
Moreton and Saughall Massie Conservative councillor Chris Blakeley said the council had made the wrong decision in closing Girtrell Court.
He tabled a notice of motion during the meeting, which called for a halt to the closure and investment of £1million in the 20-bed facility.
The motion, which was defeated, read: "Council notes that alternative provision will comprise a 10-bed unit over three floors, providing nine respite beds with one bed being available, part of the year, as an emergency bed, with no provision for placement breakdown.
"Council notes that service users have been informed, in a document provided by Sanctuary Supported Living, that some of the respite is subject to short notice cancellation before, or cancellation during, respite.
"Council does not believe this alternative is 'equal to or better than' that currently provided at Girtrell Court".
In response Chris Jones, Wirral's cabinet member for adult social care, said: "I don't accept that council made the wrong decision.
"This was all about choice. Feedback shows that we have provided respite and exciting opportunities for clients.
"The services are better."
At the end of last night's debate, a member of the public in the gallery shouted down to councillors: 'shame on you, hope you don't ever need respite care".
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