MUM ON TV!

Mum came to today's meeting - and is now a media star! Her few words are worth many more of mine. She is getting feisty and wants me to continue the campaign. I will - gladly.

Click here to see BBC South East Today and mum's several appearances!

Meridian also filmed a lot including mum but they spent more air time on a false teeth story - go figure!!

The meeting started at 10am and ended at 17.20! Some say it is a record.

The outcome was as I expected. The Committee commented on the proposals but have not required any postponement. This means it becomes a legal decision by 24th January. You can see contributions on their webcast - click here - in a couple of days. Trudy Dean (Lib Dem, Chairman) and Leslie Christie (Lab) voted against. Jean Law (Dep leader Cons) abstained.

It was a thorough scrutiny of the consultation process and decisions but the ruling party won - this round. Trudy was a top class chairman. There is disquiet amongst some Conservatives about the consultation. Trust em? Not on your life!

I have instructed our expert lawyer, Yvonne Hossack (Google her - you will not be disappointed) to apply for a Judicial Review.

My verbal statement follows below.

95% of people consulted are against the proposals. Councillor Gibbens says he has listened to our views but forges ahead regardless.

I ask you to require that the implementation of his decision to close Bowles Lodge is postponed pending a review by the full Council.

Why?

The key issue is this: why did the Council refuse my request to assess the risk of killing Vera, my frail mum, of moving her from her home against her will?

Councillor Gibbens and Margaret Howard talk about how careful and successful the Council has been in moving elderly residents to new homes. Where is their evidence? How many died within the first nine months of moving? It's not what they tell us repeatedly that worries me, it's what they don't tell us or you.

Sadly, six Bowles Lodge residents have died since the proposals were announced. One died within a few weeks of moving to another home. How many more have to die?

Another sad fact. 25 of the 54 people moved from homes in Hull, Southampton and Wolverhampton died within months. Dear elected councillors - as people of conscience - I beg you with all my heart, don't let this happen in Kent!

Emotional? Of course! There are though other issues in this flawed consultation.

Margaret Howard told us in August that new referrals could be made to the Day Centre. Why were social workers and community nurses we talked to under the impression that it had shut?

Private Finance schemes cost tax payers a fortune as we know from Pembury Hospital. Why were costs for the next 20 years not included in the report?

£280,000 is excessive to replace the roof? Why only one quote?

The Council claims it costs it twice as much to run homes compared to the independent sector. Why have no figures been provided to you?

I asked for the consultation questionnaire at Hawkhurst library on two separate occasions but was told they didn't have any. One member of staff didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Trudy Dean, exasperated, wrote this to Councillor Gibbens: "For the life of me I cannot understand why a library cannot print off a copy of this document if it's requested?"

Margaret Howard's presentation to Bowles Lodge residents and relatives appalled me. It demonstrated little regard to the specific needs of elderly residents with multiple disabilities. It was obvious to relatives present it was a done deal.

Why was my proposal rejected before Councillor Gibbens made his decision? Why was the Evaluation Panel made up entirely of Council officers?

My proposal is primarily about preventing falls that result in expensive hospital admissions. Why was this key point left out of the Council's summary to you?

Several Conservative members have expressed serious concerns to me about the consultation process. This could be politically devastating.

Councillor Gibbens has said repeatedly that these changes are about dignity and respect for older people. Mowing mum out of her home at Bowles Lodge against her will is undignified and disrespectful. You wouldn't allow me to do this to your parents - would you?

Finally, Margaret Howard states that "the risk of a legal challenge from one of the campaigners is high". You bet it is. I give you official notice that I am seeking a Judicial Review of Councillor Gibben's decision to close Bowles Lodge. I have instructed Yvonne Hossack, our expert lawyer, to start proceedings immediately on Vera, my beloved mum's behalf.