End of the line for Motherwell care home

NORTH Lanarkshire Council is to cease admissions to a Motherwell care home as they don’t wish to spend money modernising the facility.

Leslie House Care Home for Older People in Merry Street has 40 rooms occupied by 33 residents but at last week’s housing and social work services committee it was agreed that the design and fabric of the building is ‘no longer fit for purpose’.

All current residents will be allowed to stay at Leslie House if they wish but no new applications will be accepted.

In a report to the committee head of social work Duncan McKay said: “Leslie House in terms of the design and fabric of the buildings is no longer considered to be fit for purpose as it does not have private bathroom facilities and in previous reports was not identified for retention and investment by committee.

“As in previous situations of this nature, no existing resident will be required to leave. Individual discussions will take place with residents and family members to explore alternatives, if that is their wish.”

The decision has come under fire from the opposition SNP group who say this will impact on the most vulnerable members of the community.

Councillor Alan Valentine, the SNP lead on housing and social work, said: “North Lanarkshire Council needs to reappraise their residential care home strategy as this closure will hit those that need it most in the community.”