Samantha Morton backs children's home battle
Actress Samantha Morton is to address a rally of council workers on Monday protesting against the closure of a children's home. Nottingham City Council proposes to close the unnamed home as part of plans to save money. Twenty-four jobs could go if it shuts.
The 31-year-old actress, who was brought up in a children's home in Nottingham, wants the council to reconsider its proposal. The Minority Report star told the Nottingham Evening Post: "Having been a child in care I would not be where I am today without the support of my residential social workers. Living in a children's home for me was a positive experience. I beg the council to reconsider cutting these vital services to children in care, who are already, as we know, amongst the most vulnerable members of society."
Morton, who holds two Oscar nominations, was asked to take part in the demonstration by the social worker who cared for her when she was a child. She will address the protest in the Old Market Square in Nottingham city centre at 1pm on Monday, ahead of a meeting where the council will set its budget for the year ahead.
A spokesman for the council said: "The proposal to close one children's home is part of a continuing shift to provide the best type of accommodation for young children in our care. No child will be affected adversely by the proposed closure."
Press Association
8 March 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hVl4PtsKJYQmCZT6veTxJmCnYrgg
