March against homes closure plans

More than 200 attended the protest in Lichfield

More than 200 people have joined a march against plans to shut care homes and day centres in Staffordshire.

The organisers of the protest in Lichfield said the lives of vulnerable people would be affected.

The county council has stated more people are saying they want care in their own homes and it has promised to consult with everyone affected.

Campaigners are vowing to fight on through the courts despite losing a legal challenge on the issue.

Situation 'unsustainable'

Protesters have lodged an application with the Court of Appeal to fight any plans to close care homes and day centres.

The Conservative MP for Lichfield, Michael Fabricant, said on Saturday: "The situation does have to change. It is unsustainable as the population grows older.

"But let's phase it in over a number of years.

"Let new entrants be placed in the private sector or whatever it is they're proposing.

"But for elderly people now to be told that they have got to just find themselves some other place to live is unacceptable."