Protests as former home set for sale
A FORMER old folks' home in Barnsley will be sold to the highest bidder with no restrictions unless a care services developer comes forward at the last minute.
Oakwood home in Royston is for sale, on condition that the buyer must be a firm that provides care services for the elderly.
But if a suitable buyer is not found by May, the home will be auctioned with no restrictions.
A council report claims Oakwood would be too expensive to convert to other uses and that maintenance costs would be too high.
It adds: "The Royston area is considered well served by accessible alternative older persons' care facilities."
Oakwood, on Oakwood Road, was one of the last four council-run old folks' homes which closed last year to save money on adult social care.
Thousands of people signed petitions against the proposals with Labour councillors among the opposition.
Fred Harston, secretary of the Royston TARA, said: "We are disappointed that it has come to this after we fought for two years to keep it as part of the community. Now it could end up being anything, probably houses."
Coun Graham Kyte objected to the closure. He said: "Ideally the elected members would like to see a LIFT centre built on the site with all medical facilities on one site."
The four LIFT centres, or 'super GP surgeries,' offer medical and social services.
Another former council home, Green Park House in Penistone, will be sold, on condition it is used for residential care for older people. Click here for the full story
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Friday 10 February 2012
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