Out of the blue last week relatives of residents of Goyt Valley House residential care home in New Mills received a shocking letter from Derbyshire County Council outlining their proposals to close the home. None of us had any idea this was under consideration, and none of us are willing to accept the reasons put forward.

Our loved ones are cared for superbly well by the wonderful staff at Goyt Valley. There is a mix of frail, mentally alert residents who are no longer able to be looked after safely in their own homes, and dementia sufferers who also need round-the-clock care. To suddenly learn that these vulnerable people could be uprooted from what they now consider their home and be re-located who knows where, is devastating to all of the relatives. My own 103 year old mother would not survive a move, having lived in New Mills all her life. At Goyt Valley she is loved and very well cared for.

A main reason put forward by the Council for closure is the lack of ensuite bedrooms at the Home, but none of us considers this an issue. Scarcely any of the residents could safely toilet or bath themselves without assistance. Each room has a commode for privacy and dignity, and the communal toilets and bathrooms are kept spotlessly clean and fresh.

If residents are moved out of New Mills, elderly spouses/partners, and relatives who don't drive would find visiting much more difficult, if not impossible. As it is, a town bus stops right outside Goyt Valley, allowing easy access.

Please sign this petition and help us to keep this much needed Home open.