Peterborough council chiefs recommend closing care homes

The last two council care homes in Peterborough are likely to be closed despite a prolonged fight to save them.

A report for Peterborough City Council’s Scrutiny Commission for Health and its cabinet written following a 90-day public consultation recommends closing Greenwood House, in South Parade, Netherton, and Welland House, in Poplar Avenue, Dogsthorpe.

If the decision is approved by cabinet next month, it will mean about 30 people will have to find new accommodation and around 130 people will lose their jobs.

The decision comes despite 6,000 signatures on four petitions and 51 individual letters objecting to the closures, as well as a sustained campaign by staff, residents and their families.

Council chiefs insist the closure of the care homes was never done deal, adding that a new dementia resource centre could be on the cards because of the feedback given by the public.

Terry Rich, executive director of adult social care, said: “We have received many comments from people during the consultation period and we have taken the time to consider all of these before making our recommendation to cabinet.

“Many people raised really important points which it was imperative we fully understood and considered before making a recommendation on the future of the homes.

“Alongside this we have also had to keep our older residents at the forefront of our minds, so that we can be sure that the recommendation we are making is in their best interests.

“After considering both these aspects we are recommending to cabinet that both homes should close and that investment should be made in improving services for people with dementia.

“Out over-riding aim is to ensure that the standard of accommodation and facilities available for our residents and users is of a high standard.

“Whilst we want to support all older people in Peterborough to be able to maintain their independence in their own home for as long as possible, we want to ensure that for those that need residential care it is provided within high quality modern accommodation.”

The report, which will address every point made in the consultation, will be considered by the health scrutiny committee on Thursday, November 1.

Cabinet will then discuss the issue at its meeting on Monday, November 5 when it will make its decision.

Mr Rich added that residents, who have now all been told, will not have to pay more than they currently do for care.