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Care home closure decision delayed for second time

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 17:58 · Archive

Westmorland and Furness Council has postponed its decision on the potential closure of two care homes after receiving over 500 consultation responses.

Westmorland and Furness Council has delayed its decision on whether to close two care homes for a second time following months of campaigning by residents, families, staff and community groups. The cabinet was originally due to decide the future of Applethwaite Green Care Home in Windermere and Grisedale Croft Care Home in Alston on 27 October, but has now postponed to allow councillors more time to consider the evidence.

The council has identified 'significant challenges' at both homes, including falling occupancy rates and buildings that no longer meet modern standards. More than 500 consultation responses were submitted during a 14-week consultation period. The postponement is the second delay; councillors had already pushed back an earlier decision date to allow officers to prepare a final report.

Patricia Bell, cabinet member for adults, health and care, said the authority needed time to review the extensive information properly. She stated: 'These decisions on the future of Applethwaite Green and Grisedale Croft are vitally important for the residents of the homes, their families, our care staff, for local communities and for the council.' She added that there was 'a lot of extensive and detailed information' to consider, ranging from building surveys and financial modelling to information about alternative care options and the hundreds of pages of consultation feedback.

Applethwaite Green Care Home has 27 beds. The council has not indicated when the decision will now be made. For campaigners, the further delay may be viewed as evidence that the council's proposals continue to face scrutiny and questions.

Care home closure decision delayed for second time
Image: BBC Cumbria

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How it is being reported

In this story: Westmorland and Furness Council · Applethwaite Green Care Home · Grisedale Croft Care Home · Patricia Bell · Windermere · Alston

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