Sadness as last residents leave care home

Cumberland Council decided to close Moot Lodge in Brampton despite hundreds of objections

A care home is to remain open until the end of the month, even though it has no residents.

Cumberland Council confirmed the last two people left Moot Lodge Care Home in Brampton, Cumbria, on 5 October, but staff continue to work there "for a short period".

Dorothy Graham, 92, was the last to go and has been moved to a different home.

Her daughter Fiona Dryden, from Newcastle, said: "It was just so sad to move mum from there because the staff were just so fantastic."

Almost 300 people took part in a public consultation about the future of Moot Lodge, with 86% of them against its closure.

In addition, 673 people signed an online petition calling for the home to stay open, saying it is "an important part of the town".

But Cumberland Council pressed ahead with the closure and said it was in the best interests of the residents.

Her family say Dorothy Graham lived a full, happy active life before she had two strokes

Ms Dryden, who was among those who campaigned to keep it open, described the consultation as "a sham".

"I just really hope they find jobs for the staff in other homes because they were so kind and wonderful with all the residents," she said.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "We would again like to thank all our residents and their families for their cooperation with the home closure, and we wish them all well in their new residences.

"Staff will continue to work at the home for a short period while it is cleared, and administrative tasks are completed.

“We can confirm that Moot Lodge will be closed by the end of October, with a security provider to be assigned prior to the building becoming vacant."