Hundreds sign Isle of Man care home petition

A petition to keep open a government-run residential care home in the Isle of Man has been signed by several hundred supporters.

The social care department has announced plans to close the Glenside Resource centre in Douglas by 2014.

It is thought the move will affect about 59 elderly residents and 64 members of staff.

A spokesman from UNITE union said many hundreds of people from all over the island had given their support.

The petition claims the move has been cost-driven and is not in the interests of the general public or the residents.

The paper will be presented to the government during a protest outside Tynwald on 6 March.

A social care department spokesman said the decision was "not about closure".

"It is about moving forward with services that are fit for the future and delivering the care that people and their families want," he said.

Over the next two years, Glenside staff and residents will be consulted about future job prospects and care options, said the department.

The facility is one of four government-run residential homes on the island.