MP opposes council's decision to close care homes

An MP and a senior councillor have said they oppose a local authority's decision to close its last remaining care homes.

Lucy Rigby, the Labour MP for Northampton North, and Sally Keeble, who leads West Northamptonshire's Labour group, said they were "deeply disappointed" at plans to close Southfields House and Obelisk House.

On Tuesday, West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet approved proposals to "reshape" several council-run provisions, affecting 250 people.

In a statement, the Reform UK-led council said the two care homes were more than 40 years old and "no longer meet modern standards for care environments".

"Neither home has en-suite bedrooms and both are significantly limited in terms of wheelchair access, hoisting, privacy and dementia-friendly design," it added.

In a statement, Rigby and Keeble said: "We believe more could be done to explore alternatives to closure, and we are not reassured that suitable alternative care arrangements have been identified for residents.

"These are Northampton's last two council-run residential care homes, and nearly nine in 10 people who responded to the consultations opposed closure."

Up to 23 adults with learning or physical disabilities living at another site, Eleanor Lodge, will be "supported" to move into new accommodation.

"Eleanor Lodge has limited accessibility, relies on shared facilities and does not reflect modern standards for supported living," the council said.

The council will also stop day services at The Forum in Towcester and Longlands in Daventry. Services at Olympus House will relocate to Gladstone Road, but the LIVE Community and Enablement Service will remain unchanged.

The council said people would be supported to "access opportunities in their local communities" and gain greater independence.

Laura Couse, cabinet member for Adult Care and Public Health, said: "We recognise this is a difficult and a deeply sensitive decision, which cabinet has considered very carefully and made in the best interests of those who use these services now and in the future.

"We know this news will be worrying for some residents and families, and our priority now is to work closely with every person affected to make sure they receive the support, information and reassurance they need."

Meanwhile, Rigby and Keeble said they would work with local families "to get further answers and information" and encouraged people to contact them.

"These are people's homes, and residents, families and staff deserve certainty about their futures," they said.

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