Many elderly people face eviction if their care home closes

Families of people who are being looked after in residential and nursing homes want greater protection to be given to their relatives, should the homes which care for them be threatened with closure.

In recent years, dozens of privately-run residential and nursing homes have closed across Wales, with the owners saying they cannot afford to stay in business.

The situation is particularly acute in Wrexham, where just six nursing homes remain.

Ken Mack, from Wrexham, has started a petition demanding better rights for the elderly who face eviction if the homes they are living in are forced to close.

'Well-treated'

His own mother in law was faced with eviction and he says many elderly people are traumatised when they are forced to relocate.

He told BBC Radio Wales: "They (elderly residents) should be reassured that one, they are going to be well-treated and two, that they are going to have a permanent roof over their heads."

On Friday, Wrexham Welsh assembly member John Marek and MP Ian Lucas will sign Mr Mack's petition calling for a bill to protect the rights of elderly people in care homes, who face eviction.