South Cumbria care home to close, despite local objections

Plans to close a residential care home in south Cumbria have been given the go ahead, despite objections from local people.

The county council wants to shut the Abbey Care Home in Staveley near Kendal because it says the building is no longer fit for purpose. But protestors say they're worried about the impact on residents and staff.

In a statement Cumbria County Council said: “Cabinet today agreed the closure of The Abbey residential care home in Staveley. The decision follows an open and transparent process of discussions with the local community and a six week public consultation.

The 28 bed home, which is operated by Cumbria County Council’s Cumbria Care service, is currently home to six residents. The closure decision reflects reducing demand for residential care both nationally and across Cumbria as people choose to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Also the standard of accommodation at The Abbey no longer meets modern requirements, despite the excellent care provided by the dedicated team.

“Current residents will be fully supported to move to their choice of alternative accommodation in the local area which can meet their needs. Staff at The Abbey already work as a team across the Kendal and Windermere area and will be supported to continue to do so, should they wish to. We do not anticipate that this decision will result in any compulsory redundancies. We are of course keeping all staff affected by this decision fully informed.”