Sandy & I interviewed on Radio Kent today

Sandy Strutt & I met with Graham Gibbens and Margaret Howard today at Sessions House in Maidstone and were then interviewed by Dominic King on Radio Kent. This was broadcast at 4.20pm today so you may be able to listen to it again on BBC's iPlayer.

Here are the questions I asked and the headlines of their responses. Overall I would describe it as a cordial meeting - very sugary and somewhat artificial. They did listen but we were both, as Dominic was too, left with the impression that they have made up their mind! I will leave it to you to make up your own mind.

What evidence, documents or other material helped you to formulate the proposal to close Bowles Lodge?
Graham said it was not a proposal! (I won't go there). He then trotted out almost word for word what Margaret had said to the residents exactly one month ago today at Bowles Lodge. He did not answer the question.

Who has called the public meeting at Hawkhurst Primary School on Thursday 29th July?
Roger Manning, County Councillor for Cranbrook and the Weald, who spoke at the Parish Council meeting mentioned last week.

Do you Graham have the sole responsibility for the decision?
Yes, as the delegated member of the Cabinet, though I will make a recommendation to all Cabinet members for endorsement.

Have you considered other sites?
They had looked at one which means that Bowles Lodge was NOT the first choice! There are other sites that Sandy mentioned that both Graham and Margaret had no knowledge of - doh!

How will the decision be made when the consultation ends on 1st November?
Very woolly on this one as he said "the consultation does not end on 1st November". Well it either does or it does not! He went on to say he will listen to all the points of view and then make a decision.

If the decision goes against us can we appeal?
"Oh, I don't know the answer to that one, says Graham, - Margaret?" Margaret looks puzzled. She will let us know.

If the decision is to keep Bowles Lodge open - what are the consequences?
Margaret said " we will lose the money from The Treasury for the new build project". Oh, I see, it is not about money then!!

Can we have the budget and actual maintenance costs at Bowles for the last 5 financial years please?
Margaret and Graham grimaced at this request and then said they would make enquiries to check if we could have this information. You see, we think the building is in good nick apart from the roof which does need repairing (could be done with residents in situ). Dominic described this as "makeover NOT a bulldozer" - nicely put Dom!

Would you consent to a live TV debate with me about this issue along the lines of the general election televised debates?
You could almost hear the squirming! I am up for this - me as an individual citizen with no mighty County Council back up v Graham Gibbens - the guy with the power to decide what happens to my mum!

What do you know about the current market state in the private/independent care sector in relation to block and spot contracting?
This is a key question that I do not have the space to go into here but we are hearing that the suitable places for very vulnerable people may not be available. Margaret dodged the question and I am not sure if Graham had a clue what I was talking about.

So there you have it - the gist of an 80-minute meeting at least. NONE of the conversation was confidential and I like them both as human beings though I think they are blinkered and politically cornered on this vital issue!