I WOULD like to thank Morrison’s Supermarket Bolton Town Centre, Asda Farnworth, and Asda Astley Bridge, for allowing me to present my petition in their stores — but above all the many people of Bolton who have overwhelmed me by their support for the petition to maintain the current level of care at Wilfred Geere and Laburnum Lodge Care homes, the last two council run care homes in Bolton.

I only wish that local councillors would stand with me in these local supermarkets as I collect signatures on the petition regarding the current ‘review’ of these two care homes.

I can honestly say, with my hand on my heart, that there is an overwhelming swell of local opinion that our elected representatives are not listening to Bolton people any longer.

I’m filled with gratitude at the way in which local people have expressed their support to maintain the current levels of care at these two local council run care homes.

I’m amazed that the concern for our vulnerable, elderly and sick runs right across the age groups, from our strapping young men and beautiful young women, mums and dads with their children, the middle aged and the elderly.

I’m surprised at the insight of local people who are well aware that whether care homes are privately run, or local authority run, all are being starved of finances as Bolton Local Authority cut deeper and deeper into the financing of our care homes.

A public meeting has been arranged for anyone interested in the fate of Wilfred Geere and Laburnum Lodge Care Homes.

The meeting is at The Friend’s Meeting House, Silverwell Street, at 7pm on Tuesday the August 30.

Members of Parliament, Local Councillors and Trade Union representatives have all been invited.

This is an opportunity for Bolton people to come along and have their say regarding the future of these two care homes. I hope that you will take this opportunity to let your voice be heard.

Christina Taylor Bolton