Cravenside Care Home Saved (Pendle Liberal Democrats)

Pendle Liberal Democrats <info@pendlelibdems.org.uk>

Cravenside Care Home Saved

October 7, 2006 11:08 PM

Coun David Whipp Barnoldswick campaigners are celebrating after winning a four-year fight to secure the future of Cravenside, Lancashire County Council's care home in the town. The announcement was made at Thursday's meeting of the county council following questioning from West Craven representative, David Whipp.

"I'm over the moon about this," said Councillor Whipp after the decision. "This is tremendous news for all the people who have fought long and hard to keep Cravenside open."

Four years ago, Cravenside was due to close, but was one of three homes given a temporary reprieve when the Lancashire authority decided to close over 30 care homes in the county. Since then, Councillor Whipp has campaigned for the home to have a firm future and for vital fire safety equipment to be fitted. "The home is one of the most up to date in the county, has remained virtually full, provides excellent care and is very popular. There never was a case for closure," he said. "I'm very pleased that we've finally won this change of heart."

Responding to Councillor Whipp's questions at Thursday's meeting, Labour care home boss, County Councillor Chris Cheetham, said that Cravenside will remain open "for the foreseeable future". He also agreed that fire sprinklers would be fitted at a cost of £71,000. He promised that this work would be carried out within 12 months. The two other homes kept open on a temporary basis are to remain open for a further temporary period.