Councillor is ‘sorry’ after outcry over care children

A COUNTY councillor who branded care-home children “not normal” has apologised after his remarks sparked outrage.

Carmarthenshire council member Kevin Madge came in for criticism after voicing concerns about a care home planned for a residential street in Llanelli.

Freshstart Care wanted permission to change a house in Erw Las, Llwynhendy, into a care home for up to four vulnerable youngsters aged between 11 and 18 – with bosses strongly denying rumours the facility would be used for young offenders.

Councillors voted down the plan after it was debated in a meeting on Tuesday.

However, a row about Cllr Madge’s comments has begun.

The Garnant ward member and former leader of Carmarthenshire council said: “The police know quite well that these homes cause trouble.

“They are not normal children so there will be a lot of screaming and I think the resident next door needs to be protected from that.”

Those remarks were criticised by several people.

One mum said: “I don’t understand how supposedly civilised people can think that way about children let alone penalise them for having a difficult start in life.”

Following the backlash, Mr Madge issued a statement in apology. It said: “It was poor choice of words, which I regret. However, I have genuine concerns, which is what I wanted to get across at the meeting. I will not be making any further comment on this matter.”

A spokesman for Carmathenshire council said it was “not aware” of any official complaints about Cllr Madge’s comments.

Freshstart Care Ltd declined to comment.