A CARER at a care centre set to be closed down by Bury Council has started a petition to fight the decision.

Spurr House, a short-term respite care centre in Unsworth, is set to be closed down as part of a controversial council plan to save £13m in Bury's adult social care budget.

Krisilia O'Neill, a care assistant at Spurr House, spoke out against the proposals earlier this month, saying it may save the council money in the short-term, but costing more in the long-term.

A consultation was held by the council, in which it was concluded that the centre was to be closed down, due to government budget cuts.

The petition was started by Krisilia and aims to reach 500 signatures so that it is likely to be featured in recommendations and be seen by more people.

Krisilia said: "I cannot believe that after a consultation and vote, the council is not listening to the borough and the people who will use these services.

"But I will not give up until they realise how important adult social care is, especially for people that may not be able to afford private care.

"This service is needed "

Spurr House provides short-term respite care, during which customers live up to six weeks at a time, as a temporary break from their usual place of care, to give carers or family a brief rest from caring or because a person may need some short term support in order to recover from their illness.

Cllr Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: "This was a really hard decision to make, especially as it affects the staff who work in those facilities.

"However, these proposals do not reduce the service provided to local residents - they are removing spare capacity from the system.

"We cannot as a council continue to pay for unused capacity, especially when the nature of care is changing and many more people want and choose to receive care in their own homes."

To sign the petition online, visit www.change.org/p/bury-council-stop-the-closure-of-spurr-house