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Monday 23 March

The threat of closure is hanging over a number of care homes for elderly people and dementia patients in Wales.

Bryneithin in Dinas Powys, is just one. This week's Eye on Wales focuses on the campaign by the families of its residents to keep the home open.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council, which runs the home, says it's no longer fit for purpose; but the families say the council has run it down and failed to invest in improvements.

Campaigners also say the council has not put forward any firm proposals for what will happen if the home - the Vale's only specialist residential facility for dementia sufferers - does close.

Consultation on the future of the home closes at the end of March and social services chiefs will then report back to council after assessing the representations they receive.

These include a petition opposing closure, gathered by protestors and bearing 2,600 signatures, and concerns expressed by the local MP, AM and councillors.

The consultation comes at a time when experts are predicting a 30 per cent increase in dementia sufferers in Wales in the next 10 to 15 years

The finishing touches are also being put to the Wales Assembly Government's action plan on dementia - which is expected to highlight the need for good quality, specialist care across the country.