Hundreds of consultationresponse forms submitted

Mervyn commented afterwards: “Ballymoney’s need for this sort of statutory residential care home has not diminished over the last forty-years. It continues to serve the needs of those elderly people who require residential provision, respite and rehabilitation.

“The standard of care at the Roddens is second to none. The staff performs their duties with the highest degrees of professionalism.

“At the Roddens, the elderly are treated with respect and dignity. Residents feel safe and content. They do not live in an isolated manner, but rather are an integral part of the wider community.

“It will be a huge injustice for these people and for the public of Ballymoney to see this beloved institution close forever.

“I am well aware that the Health and Social Care Board are asking whether spending money to upkeep the Roddens is the best use of public money.

“The answer to this is an emphatic YES. It must be remembered that the vast majority of our elderly population has worked their entire lives, paying taxes and National Insurance for a lifetime. They and countless others have done so in the assured knowledge that should the circumstances arise were they require residential care; then it would be available to them. It will be a serious betrayal of trust on the part of the HSC if the decision was therefore taken to close the Roddens.

“On the back of this huge public response it is clear that the HSC must now only consider options for the Roddens that include its’ continuing presence in Ballymoney as a statutory residential care home. This is the right and fair decision, and the one that commands widespread public support.”

More news about the Roddens online: www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk