THE former manager of a Melksham care home has criticised the decision to close it, saying its 22 learning disabled residents deserve better treatment from the county council which cares for them

Julie Colegate, who worked at Waverley House for 13 years until 1997, has been helping with the campaign to keep it open.

On Tuesday protesters handed in an 870-strong petition to Wiltshire County Council as part of their battle against its closure.

Mrs Colegate, 51, of Forest Road, Melksham, does not think residents would be able to cope with a move to centres in areas like Trowbridge.

She said: "I was shocked and disappointed when I heard it was closing. Many of the residents are elderly and have built up relationships with staff at the home and the community.

"They know Melksham and feel comfortable there. They should not have to move and don't deserve it."

Last month a group of protesters gathered in the town centre to rally support, and families of loved ones who live at the house, shoppers and local businesses signed the petition.

Mrs Colegate's husband, Peter, 57, who helped organise the campaign, said: "I have petitioned on a lot of issues but this was the first time I had seen people queuing to sign."

Ray Jones, director of adult and community services for the county council, said there had been an extensive consultation process and more meetings were being organised.

Waverley House is expected to close by next April under new proposals from the county council to replace outdated homes for people with learning difficulties with more modern facilities.

A spokesman for the county council said: "The home, which is 30 years old, does not meet the modern standards of care provision for people with learning disabilities.

"A number of residents are becoming frail as they grow older and they require accommodation better suited to their needs."