Rallying support for threatened Blesma

MP Gordon Marsden at his office in South Shore.

The Blesma Home on Lytham Road, Blackpool, is facing an uncertain future after the military charity announced that it has become ‘unsustainable’ as a result of a decline in the number of residents at the home, along with a gradual loss of Blesma membership as a whole.

Six months ago, the residential care home, which supports limbless ex-servicemen, was home to 25 decorated Second World War veterans. Now, because of recent deaths, there are only 11.

Stuart Ogden, secretary of St Annes Ex-Servicemen’s Club, said: “I think it’s shocking. They go on about it on TV what our veterans have done for us and the next thing you know you’re reading that they can’t afford to keep their home open.

“Places like Blesma and Trinity Hospice shouldn’t have to rely on charity when we’ve got a government with money. It leaves them vulnerable. People are giving less now because money is tighter than it used to be, and with Blesma’s membership getting older these places can’t stay open on the backs of charity alone.

“It’s just not right.”

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden said: “It’s obviously an issue of great concern because of the central role that the home plays in the care of our veterans and in the wider affairs of the town.

“I have asked to have a detailed discussion with the chief executive at Blesma about the basis on which they have made these judgements on some of the aspects of the home.

“I have contacted them urgently for a response on these matters and I look forward to discussing them.

“I am very concerned about the future arrangements for the people who are living in the home at present.”

RAF veteran Nigel Morris, 59, who lives in Grange Park, said: “As a veteran myself Blesma is very close to my heart.

“What would happen to the people who have been told they can live there for the rest of their lives? Where would they go?

“It makes me annoyed that somewhere which provides a fantastic service is under threat because they don’t have enough money.

“The home costs £1m a year to run. The council has just approved £22m for the trams.

“Blackpool prides itself on being there for veterans during Veterans Week, and now it’s our chance to stand up and prove it.”