Lincolnshire County Council votes to close care homes

Lincolnshire County Council has decided to close five care homes.

The decision was made on Wednesday despite petitions signed by thousands of people to keep the homes open.

Originally eight were being considered for closure but Linelands in Nettelham, Bonner House, Sleaford and Harrison House, Grantham, will remain open.

The remaining five will be transferred to the private sector, a move which the council says will mean some redundancies.

Negotiations will now begin to transfer The Cedars, Gainsborough; Crowtree House, Louth; Halmer Grange, Spalding; Ingelow Manor, Boston; and Park View, Lincoln, to the private sector.

Redundancies

Councillor Graham Marsh, portfolio holder for adult social care at Conservative-led Lincolnshire County Council, said: "There will undoubtedly be some redundancies in this process."

He added contracts would not be finalised until September at the earliest.

Lincolnshire County Council previously said the homes were "not fit for purpose" and needed upgrading.

Up to 250 jobs could be affected with the care home closures.

John Sharman, Lincolnshire branch secretary for union Unison, said the process would be monitored very closely.

"We'll be taking our own legal advice if necessary and legal action if that is necessary," he said.