The full weight of Braintree Council has been firmly placed behind campaigners trying to save a nursing home from closure

Town residents have been trying to stop the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception from closing the St Francis Nursing Home in Broad Road, Braintree, which is due to shut its doors for the last time on January 10.

At a meeting of the Braintree Council executive last night, John Kotz (Lab, Yeldham), lead member for health and community safety, revealed he has written to the head of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters, urging her to negotiate ways of keeping the home open.

In the letter sent to Generalate Sister Violet Grennan, Mr Kotz said: "I do know a number of non-profit and charitable organisations have shown an interest in running the home and keeping it open.

"I do hope you will consider the concerns that have been expressed by many people and that you will negotiate ways of keeping the home open with those who have shown an interest for that to happen."

Councillors agreed to support the campaign against closure of the nursing home

Published Tuesday November 5, 2002

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