Plans to shut three out-of-date care homes in Bradford have moved a step closer following discussions at a scrutiny committee.

The Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee last night recommended plans for the care homes to be shut this summer to Bradford Council’s executive body.

But concerns were raised over the quality of replacement provision for those leaving Laurence House, Meadowcroft and Thackley Grange, which the Council announced it intended to shut in February.

The local authority hopes to replace them with five new care homes providing specialist short-term care and long-term dementia care.

The committee heard how the Council was determined the care homes would not be shut before all residents had appropriate alternative accommodation.

Janice Simpson, assistant director of operational services, said residents would be moved by the end of September, limiting disruption to the summer months.

She said: “Once the decision is made we are ready to start that process more or less immediately.”

She said the move was part of a long-term plan to improve care in the district.

Committee chairman Councillor John Robertshaw said he had visited the three care homes and believed the buildings needed improving.

He said: “We have got to make sure when our elderly residents are leaving, then they are going to a better place and let’s do this as compassionately as possible.”

  • Read the full story Thursday’s T&A