THE future of a Petersfield care home is looking increasingly gloomy after a senior councillor effectively gave her backing to its closure.

The fate of Bulmer House could be sealed by November following a decision to begin a 12-week consultation into the closure of the Ramshill facility.

The process officially began on Monday with staff, residents and relatives being asked for their views in the coming weeks.

Union leaders have urged Hampshire County Council to think again with opponents due to meet at Bulmer House within the next week.

But it sounded like a done deal when the proposals were laid out last Friday at a "D-Day" meeting in Winchester.

For full story, see this week's Herald.