Madam, I have spoken to many Ross residents and they are very worried, concerned and many are very upset for the residents already living in the Chestnuts. It must have been absolutely devastating for them to read in the Ross Gazette on June 22nd that their home was closing and then to find out that it was to close as soon as the end of July.
Many have sold their homes and valuable possessions to fund their care in this home. Now I hear some are to be moved out of the county or into Rural Herefordshire where relatives will not be able to visit so regularly.
We hear so much about the Human rights of the immigrant, the prisoner etc. Do these people have no human rights?
It seems to be forgotten that most pensioners have paid into the NHS since its formation in 1948 paid Income Tax all their working lives.
We are now constantly being told how we are living longer and the State can't afford to keep us!
As someone who has always lived within a two miles of the Chestnuts I had always said if I couldn't cope I would wish to go into the Chestnuts, I know this would be the wish of many old Rossians, and older people from the surrounding villages.
"A place where we could share our memories of Old Ross and Village life of yesteryear."
When visiting the Chestnuts I have always felt welcome, it is not regimented, it does not smell or feel like a Hospital or Nursing Home, I am told the care is excellent. In other words Home from Home
Why has this happened? And why such short notice of its closure? It does not give enough time for a rescue package to be put together, I feel sure with public feeling as strong as it is "A SAVE the CHESTNUTS" petition or plan could have been arranged.
Margaret Wilce, Ross