FAMILIES of loved ones who live at Waverley House in Melksham have signed a 400-strong petition to protest against the care home's closure.

Eight protesters gathered in the town centre on Saturday morning to urge people to help keep it open, collecting 429 signatures in just two hours.

Waverley House, which caters for people with learning difficulties, is currently home to 22 men and women. It is expected to close by April next year under new proposals from Wiltshire County Council.

Sue Stainer, of Semington, whose brother, Gordon, 61, has been living at the care home for the last 30 years, said it would be unfair to move residents out.

"Not only has it been the place where he lives, it is also a place where residents and staff are his family," she said.

"We are very worried about his future, being mentally handicapped he can't explain how he feels and we can't really explain the changes to him.

"Ever since we received a letter telling us it was closing he has been very subdued."

Sue Sims did not hesitate to sign the petition because she is worried about the welfare of her sister-in-law, Johneen, who has been living at Waverley House for 20 years.

Mrs Sims said: "She is very worried and has asked us to try to keep the home open."

Protesters, who are pressing for more public consultation over the closure, say it would be wrong to move residents to other homes in the surrounding area.

Carol Nugent, of Forest Road, helped organise the protest.

She said: "We collected 429 signatures. A lot of people feel very passionately and had very strong reactions against the closure.

"The residents are part of the Melksham community and yet they are powerless to influence their own future.

"It is difficult for us to imagine the turmoil and fear this proposed closure is causing."

The campaigners have left petitions in local shops and are hoping to collect hundreds more signatures which will be sent to the social services department at the county council and MP Michael Ancram.

Services for people with learning difficulties across the county have been reviewed and outdated homes will be replaced with more modern facilities in surrounding towns, in a £26m investment programme.

Ray Jones, director of adult and community services for Wiltshire County council, said: "We are willing to meet with the organisers of the petition to discuss the concerns they have.

"Consultation with residents, relatives and staff has been extensive and is continuing.

"The county council is paying for advocacy support for residents to ensure their views are heard and their interests safeguarded."