A SWANSEA care home could be brought up to scratch with minimal expenditure, according to a group of former Labour councillors.

Councillors Roger Smith, Glyn Seabourne and Mair Gibbs say they believed it would not cost that much to ensure the threatened Earlsmoor care home had the living space elderly patients were entitled to.

The trio, who have formed the Communities of Swansea group, said the Brynmill-based facility had its full backing and that they were highly impressed by the work of its staff.

But last month, members of Swansea Council's health, social care and wellbeing overview board agreed that the cabinet member for Social Services Nick Tregoning should seek cabinet approval to close the facility.

Although, they stressed there should be an alternative building-based respite service developed as there was demand for respite care.

But Councillor Smith, who was also speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said: "I am informed Earlsmoor is able to take emergency admissions, and Earlsmoor respite care home is the only one of its kind in Swansea.

"The home can accommodate up to 17 clients at any one time.

"Although there were only seven to eight clients in care on that day, I was impressed and moved with the care, attention and dedication they received from the staff, which I can only describe as wonderful bedside manner which, unfortunately, you rarely see these days.

"I am saddened to witness the probable cut in support for this vulnerable group, when the unit would require a minimal expenditure to allow the users to have the living space as recommended."

Councillor Smith claimed: "I feel this building will be sold, as this authority is placing profit before people."

Around 2,000 people have signed a petition against the controversial closure plan.

He asked how councillors could make decisions on the future of the service without visiting Earlsmoor.

Councillor Nick Tregoning, cabinet member for Social Services, said: "What I would say in response is that the staff are very good — the staff are not the issue.

"The whole idea of the overview board is that all 72 members do not have to do everything.

"I understand people are nervous about the closure of Earlsmoor — but the point is it is outdated.

"I know Roger said we could change it without spending much money, but when you consider there's a corridor too narrow for a wheelchair to go down, you would have to knock down the walls — it's not necessarily cheap."

elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk