Residents of a care home in Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, have written an open letter urging voters not to support the Reform UK party in Thursday's local elections. The letter, signed by residents aged between 83 and 100, was published in the Mirror and highlights their fear of being forced out of their homes after Reform-run Lancashire County Council earmarked Woodlands care home for closure last year.
Dorothy Devereux, 93, a former nurse who now lives at Woodlands, said: 'I hope nobody votes for Reform. I understand the need to cut costs but we are not lines on a spreadsheet. We are people who've spent our lives caring for others and deserve dignity and stability in our final years.' The closure plans were halted after public opposition, but residents remain uncertain about the home's future.
The council launched a review of five care homes and five day centres last October to save approximately £4 million, citing concerns over condition, safety and long-term viability. Following protests, Reform announced the homes would remain open with promised investment. It also emerged that Reform councillor Graham Dalton co-owned a private care company.
Wayne Campbell, 68, whose mother Joyce Porter, 88, lives at Woodlands, said: 'The thought of it closing has affected her and her dementia has come on. She hasn't got a good word to say about Reform.' Frances Duxbury, 68, daughter of Dorothy Devereux, added: 'The level of stress this has caused the residents and family members has taken its toll.'
Reform secured 52 of 84 Lancashire County Council seats in May 2025. In Derbyshire, a Reform-led council has revealed plans to close eight care homes. Unison's Jon Richards commented: 'Reform's only interest is in peddling easy answers, not rolling up sleeves to fix problems.'
A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: 'A report about the outcome of the consultation is due to go to our Cabinet later this month. Members will then consider next steps. We will be keeping residents and their families fully informed.'
