THE proposal to close Wardhayes Care Home and 19 other care homes in Devon has this week been described as 'shameful', and a 'shocking example of the devastating cuts being placed on the shoulders of the most vulnerable'. Devon County Council has decided to close Wardhayes and formally cease the provision of residential care in the home and 19 others in the county, instead arranging and commissioning alternative services for residents in the private sector. The home's Poppy Day Centre will also close. The decision has been made in an effort to shave £10-million a year off social care spending. But the move has been condemned by the Devon branch of UNISON, the UK's largest trade union, and the organisation has vowed to challenge the decision. Wardhayes currently employs 42 staff with working hours the equivalent of 24.7 full time employees. Some 1,000 jobs across the county are under threat as a result of this week's move. UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye called the decision 'shameful', and a 'shocking example of the devastating cuts being placed on the shoulders of the most vulnerable'. Steve Ryles, UNISON Devon branch secretary, said: 'UNISON has made it clear to the council that when considering whether to close the homes, councilors would need to consider whether the risks associated with a total withdrawal from direct provision are worth taking for what is a small marginal overall cost reduction, a warning they have clearly ignored. 'Many of the vulnerable adults within these homes live in remote rural areas. They are now faced with a huge upheaval which will see them ripped away from the communities where they have lived for many years.' Paul Sanders from Hatherleigh, whose mother lives at Wardhayes, said: 'The proposed closure of Wardhayes is a sad and bitter disappointment to families, residents and staff alike. 'The facility provides a much needed opportunity for respite care, reablement and long term care and is ideally situated in a location where friends and family are able to use public transport to visit. 'My mother has visited folk in Wardhayes ever since I can remember — this local facility with local staff has given a sense of familiarity and peace in what will inevitably be her last year or two.  'Why are we closing a much-valued, well-run home when we are faced with a greater need for old-age provision in the near future? 'The effect on my mother is as yet unknown but she finds it very difficult to adapt to new conditions and will be very stressed when moved to another unit. 'My father, who at 89 still manges to visit three times per week, is also upset at the thought of the closure of Wardhayes. 'Councillors and MPs need to consider their position, as not looking after vulnerable people in fitting ways will inevitably have repercussions.' County councillor for the Okehampton Rural, Kevin Ball, stressed that the closures did not change the council's statutory duty of care, and empathised with residents and families affected by the decision. He said: 'I totally appreciate that this news must be upsetting for both residents and their families. 'Devon County Council will be providing someone to walk through the change in circumstance with each and every resident and their families. 'It is a process that the county council has experience in dealing with. We have dealt with the closure of private homes in the past and gone through the same processes. 'One thing I am keen for people to know is that residents are not going to be leaving overnight. 'This will be a gradual, phased process. The county council recognises that provision needs will not be the same for everyone. That is why people will be led through the process on an individual case by case basis.' Cllr Stuart Barker, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for the council's care homes and day services, said: 'Nothing will happen immediately. This is a process that will take time and we will do this with great care and sensitivity. 'In taking the decisions I want to ensure that everyone who is entitled to have a service from us gets it, be it residential care or a day service, and that they will continue to receive a service that meets their needs. 'The phased closure of our care homes will be conducted over a period up to 18 months, and that process will be managed case by case with residents and their families. 'No one will within reason need to move until a place at the home they choose to move to is available.  'The speed of their move will, to a large extent be determined by the residents themselves and the availability of their choice. No one will move unless they are able to do so safely. 'We do have considerable experience in helping people find alternative residential care and we fully understand the anxiety that such change can bring to residents and families.    'We will do everything we can to minimise that anxiety, following the very best national guidance and good practice in supporting residents through the transition. As part of the cost-cutting exercise, the day services offered by Puzzle Tree and Lyric House for clients with learning disabilities will be reduced and merged into the Lyric House building on North Road. The short breaks service offered by Puzzle Tree and Lyric House will cease. The closure of the Poppy Day Centre is to begin in the first phase of the closure process. The county council will begin work with the service users and their carers from July. The changes to services offered by Lyric House and Puzzle Tree will also begin in July. Wardhayes Care Home is planned to be closed in early 2015. Devon County Council's Liberal Democrats on Tuesday afternoon 'called-in' the decision to close the care homes and day centres. The 'call-in' would allow much greater scrutiny of the decision and the process behind it, said Lib Dem leader Cllr Alan Connett. The challenge will now go to a meeting of the county council's Peoples' Scrutiny committee where councillors will have the opportunity to ask more detailed questions about the plans and make alternative recommendations, said Cllr Connett. • What are your thoughts on this decision? Let us know — e-mail us at [email protected]">[email protected]