MORE than 100 protesters are set to gather in the city this weekend as part of a move against plans to close the last two council-owned care homes in Southampton.

Headed by union Unite, the demonstrators will take to picket lines outside of Labour’s regional conference at Solent University’s Spark building on Saturday.

Last month the city council announced plans to close Glen Lee in Bitterne, and Holcroft House in Thornhill, claiming it would save £1,327,000 per year.

More than 70 jobs would be threatened if the plans were approved, although the council has promised to relocate staff to other areas.

But Unite and Unison – which is not involved in Saturday’s protest – have told the authority the decision will cause “too much damage to industrial relations” and thousands of its members at the city council may revolt.

 

Drumming up support for the demonstration, Unite Community Southampton Area said: “The demonstration will be led by employees of the two homes and relatives of residents. All residents of Southampton and surrounding community are urged to attend and show their solidarity

“Around 50 elderly residents risk losing their homes if Southampton City Council decides to close its two remaining residential care homes.”

The protest will take place from 10am outside the Labour Party’s South East Regional Conference.

The public consultation started on October 24 and will run for 12 weeks.

A final decision will be made in February.