Reprieve for care homes after protest

PLANS to close two nursing homes have been dropped after a fierce opposition campaign.

Residents in Monica Court, Monton, and Astley Court, Irlam, were left worried after plans to close the facilities were announced at the end of May, with landlords ForHousing saying they were going to rehome tenants “over the coming years”.

Local councillors, trade union UNISON, MP Barbara Keeley and Salford city mayor Paul Dennett all fought against the changes.

Yesterday, residents were given confirmation that the plans have been scrapped, after ForHousing met with Mr Dennett,

Coun Hannah Robinson-Smith, MPs, and council officers who all opposed the decision.

ForHousing originally announced that they would “phase out” the two buildings as they “cannot meet the standards” they want to provide to tenants, with the homes primarily offering assisted living to frail, elderly, or vulnerable residents.

They said that the announcement meant no new residents would be moving into the buildings.

Colette McKune, CEO of ForHousing, said: “We have listened to the views of tenants and the community and understand their feelings about living at Astley and Monica Courts.

“We will be sharing this positive news with tenants and their families today. We will continue to work in partnership with Salford City Council on the quality of extra care housing going forward.”

It is not yet clear what will be done about the two buildings to ensure they are fit for purpose for the future. However, this change does lift the uncertainty from residents who were fearing being moved away from friends and family. Mr Dennett said: “We commend ForHousing for reviewing their proposals and working with us to provide a resolution which provides a future for these two invaluable extra care housing schemes.” Coun Robinson-Smith added: “ForHousing were profusely apologetic for the distress caused to residents, their families, and the wider community and they have agreed to rip up their plans, and come back to the drawing board in a true and proper partnership to ensure that we are never in this position again.”

ForHousing were profusely apologetic for the distress caused to residents and their families Coun Hannah RobinsonSmith