Cranleigh Paddock care home 'should remain open'

Deeside in Basingstoke is recommended to remain open until autumn 2014

A care home earmarked for closure should remain open, a report has recommended.

Hampshire County Council had been consulting on plans to close Bulmer House in Petersfield, Nightingale Lodge in Romsey, Cranleigh Paddock in Lyndhurst and Deeside in Basingstoke.

Proposals drawn up following the consultation recommend the Cranleigh Paddock dementia facility is kept open.

The attached day centre would still close, under the plans.

The remaining three care homes are still recommended for closure, although it is proposed Deeside should remain open until a specialist dementia wing at another Basingstoke home, Oakridge House, opens in autumn 2014.

A cross-party committee of county councillors is to review the consultation results and the recommendations from the director of adult services on Friday 22 November.

A decision will be made by the cabinet on Monday 9 December.

Council leader Roy Perry said: "We are very sensitive to the fact that we are talking about people's homes, and our priority remains the care and wellbeing of the care home residents.

"We will ensure that residents and their relatives continue to be fully supported by our highly experienced care staff."