By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:12, Thursday, 17 May 2012

WOODLANDS care home in Distington will close after a last-ditch attempt to save it failed.

The home, which specialises in dementia care, was thrown a lifeline when three councillors challenged Cumbria County Council’s ruling that it will close.

However, their challenge was thrown out at a meeting last week and the closure decision stands.

Distington county councillor Cam Ross, who ‘called-in’ the decision along with colleagues Frank Morgan and Mike Hawkins, said he was “disappointed” with the outcome.

“We put forward as good a case as we could but we are disappointed to say that it didn’t go our way,” said Coun Ross. “We thought we had a good case, but it wasn’t to be and we have reached the end of the line.”

After hearing representations from Couns Ross, Morgan and Hawkins, Cumbria County Council’s Scrutiny Advisory Board for Adults upheld the closure decision made by the council’s Cabinet last month, and did not refer the decision back for further consideration.

Barbara Cannon, chair of the advisory board, said: “As a committee we have very carefully listened to the issues raised by the local members who very ably represented their points of view and we were able to closely question the portfolio holder and directorate.

“As a result of this, the committee has agreed to support the original decision made by Cabinet but we have made a number of recommendations.”

The board accepted the councillors’ criticism that Woodlands falls within the Copeland boundary therefore residents of the borough should have been included more in the consultation process.

William Gray, chair of the Woodlands Care and Support Group, said: “They accept that the consultation process was flawed, but not flawed enough to have affected the decision.

“But the fight goes on and the next step is going to the government ombudsman to see if the flaws identified are enough to warrant intervention.”

Mr Gray added that although he is “bitterly disappointed” with the decision, he extends thanks to the three councillors for their “sterling work” in trying to keep the home open.

Coun Cannon added: “As with any exercise such as this, there are always things we can learn from and we will ask Cabinet to consider these and scrutiny will conduct a thorough review of the lessons learnt.”

James Airey, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, added: “We are pleased that the scrutiny panel have agreed to support Cabinet’s original decision and we will look closely at the recommendations they have made.

“We welcome the opportunity we were given to explain the modernisation agenda and to clarify the issues that were raised.

“We understand that this will be an anxious time for those residents and families affected but we will ensure we do everything we can to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.”

The council took the decision to close Woodlands because “the building is dated and there are a number of alternative services already available that support people with high-level needs”.

Admissions have now ceased to the home and the closure process will be phased throughout the next 12 months.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk