PROTESTERS have been out in force to drum up support for a care centre threatened with closure.

The group was camped outside Pershore Care Centre in Station Road so that they could carry on their fight.

The centre is under threat of closure due to running costs but service users and their families are not willing to let it go without a fight.

Pershore Care Centre looks after four severely disabled people and the protesters included Ann Bradley, whose son Mark has used it for almost 20 years.

Also present was Tony and Judith Hall, together with their 34-year-old son Matthew, who is also a long-term user of the centre. Mrs Hall said: "I gather it rattled some cages but we won't know the result for a while.

"The protest was basically to keep our campaign going and in the public eye so that people are aware that we are still fighting and will continue to do so. Worcestershire County Council is playing its cards very close to its chest. We are treading water at the moment and we keep being told that you cannot pre-empt the decision of the council.

"We were very pleased with the response as it was midweek but there was very encouraging support from people passing by."

Council spokesman Lee Shrimpton said its cabinet had been due to discuss the centre this week. However, that debate has been put back until May 24, pending further information.