THE decision to close Harewood House is extremely regrettable, and I write both as a concerned  Devon resident and because my sister-in-law, almost 101, lives there.

Across Devon there is dismay at the county council's proposal to outsource all residential and day care services to the private and voluntary sector.   I hope that councillors will find ways to save money other than by hitting the most vulnerable and that everyone, whether directly affected or not, will make their views known by March 26 through the feedback form which is available at http://new.devon.gov.uk/residentialreview/proposals/  A">http://new.devon.gov.uk/residentialreview/proposals/  A paper copy of the form can be obtained by telephoning 0845 155 1015.

However, before completing the form one should read the proposal and impact assessment.   Both raise many questions.   You will see important issues regarding cost and quality.   

The council's average cost per bed per week in its own homes is £805.45. A bed it purchases in independent accommodation is £426-433 per week. So what is lost? Is it standard of accommodation, decreased level of care (ratio of staff to residents), use of unqualified staff, lower pay to staff?   

Councillors should answer these questions. They should also make clear exactly what are the realistic alternatives which can be offered to those who are having to be moved, instead of the vague generalisations about 'residents' own choice'.

Those living in Harewood House are having to face a most traumatic move, away from familiar people and surroundings to an environment where they almost certainly will know no-one and which may be many miles from family and friends. How can councillors countenance an action so potentially harmful to one of the most vulnerable groups in our society?   

I would urge everyone to do everything possible to prevent this happening.

Pamela Galloway

East Leigh

Crediton

HAVING read those moving letters re the possible, indeed likely, closure of Harewood House, I am struck by the throwaway line in one of them that it would only cost us tax payers an extra £22 a year to keep it open.

If that is really the case, what is Cllr Stuart Barker waiting for as surely we all know someone who has benefitted from the caring service Harewood has for so many years provided.

Phoebe Woollcombe

Bere Alston

MY great-aunt, Winifred Foster, has been a resident at Harewood House in Tavistock since October 2012. Her only daughter, who cared for her mother at home until Win was 98, lives in Tavistock.

Harewood has level access to the town and is an easy wheelchair push. Win's room is large enough for a bed and seats for visitors. It has a view over the park yet a busy part of the town where there's lots to see going on. It is south facing and catches whatever sun is shining.

When it is not, the cheerful caring staff make up for it. They are a super team and have brought Win through two nasty colds, one so far each winter.

My next-door neighbor went into care at our local best facility and there is no comparison with Harewood as our local home is too big and impersonal.

Lastly, a congratulatory messages marking Win's 100th birthday was received from The Queen as well as elected officials not twelve months ago.  The Tavistock town's mayor, Cllr Anne Johnson, attended the party.  

Now, after the cards and cakes, continue to honour the aged!  Please do not move the residents, neither the frail nor those suffering from any mental problems. They and the staff are happy at Harewood.

Lesley-Alicia Delahunty

Old Georgetown Road

Bethesda MD

USA

ALTHOUGH I now live in Suffolk, I was born and went to school in Tavistock.  I return there frequently to visit my friends and family, who still live in the town.  Indeed, we have been able to trace family connections with Tavistock back to the early 17th century. I therefore still take an active interest in my hometown and its welfare.

On my latest visit, I was shocked to learn that Harewood House may close. This would be a great blow to all those connected with it: the staff, the residents, the day-centre users and those receiving post-operative care. 

One of the elder members of my family is, at present, recuperating in Harewood House. 

She is receiving excellent care, and Harewood's position in Plymouth Road is very convenient for her friends and family, who may wish to visit.

It is not simply persons like my aunt who would suffer from Harewood's closure.  The people who rely on day-care activities, and the residents, for whom it is home, would be cast adrift, at a time in their lives when great upheavals are neither welcomed nor coped with well.  This is not to mention the staff, many of whom would find themselves without employment.

I am well aware that one of the great beliefs of the age is that the private sector will do what the state does better and more cheaply. 

I went to the London Olympic Games in 2012 so I am not convinced by this credo.  People are more than economic pawns and their welfare should not solely be based on cost analysis.  It saddens me that, in our society, everything (even people and their lives) seems to have a price but very little appears to have value.  (I know that this expression verges on cliché, but it holds good nonetheless.)

Through the medium of this letter, I hope to add my voice to those, who, should it come to it, would oppose the closure of Harewood House.

Martin Webb

Bury St Edmonds

Suffolk

MAY I add my unease at the shock news of the possible closure of Harewood House in Tavistock.

Having visited so many patients, not always elderly, over the last ten years or so, I have witnessed the wonderful care and concern shown and the dedication of all its staff — a joy to behold!

It would be a crying shame if this closure takes place, and would leave a huge gap in Tavistock for so many who look forward to a day of friendship and companionship with other folk, or who need some excellent short-term care.

Think again Devon County Council — get your act together, and your priorities right!

Tony Smith

Lydford

WHILE I agree with letters written about Harewood House, there's one thing that wasn't mentioned — respite.

In 2011 I had a knee replacement and had to wear a brace. I caught an infection and spent 18 days in Derriford Hospital, then went into Harewood House for six weeks. Nurses came to care for my infection and physios came to check on my exercises.

The food was first class as was the care by day and night staff.

Another bonus is a bus stop outside for people outside of Tavistock to use.

Dora Duggan

Drake'­s Park

Bere Alston