THERE were sombre undertones to the mood of the protestors outside St John's Church yesterday (July 12).

It was as if they knew what lay ahead of them as around 200 people slowly marched the full 500 yards, many aided by walking sticks and some in wheelchairs to the front of the Town Hall.

But this time the public gallery was not full. There were people seated there but it was by no means packed because many had been refused admission on grounds of fire regulations.

According to Liberal Councillor Robert Wynne, there were more people at the inauguration of the Mayor than were allowed in.

And so the remainder of supporters were locked out, waiting patiently for the council's decision in the Town Hall foyer and outside in Talbot Square, where marchers, pictured here, were protesting. Alice Hill, the 91-year-old vocal protestor from last week's meeting, and Evelyn Brunt, 82, both from Whitegate Manor, presented a petition signed by 11,000 people to Mayor Granville Heap.

But even that and a passionate plea from Coun Wynne for just two of the Labour councillors to change their minds could not do anything to tip the vote. One care assistant who was too afraid to be named said she did not understand why the council had chosen to close all the homes at once.

"I can't believe they could do it like this. Homes could be phased out if there is genuinely less demand for beds. People could remain in their homes that way."

Tony Garnsey, UNISON branch secretary, said: "The council says it has not closed any homes yet and so we should not condemn them, but that is rubbish.

"We believe the council has dealt with the whole thing appallingly."