Bid to close care homes

Sep 25 2008 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

PUBLIC consultation on controversial plans to close two care homes and replace them with a care in the community scheme starts next week.

Conwy County Council in a joint £12m project with housing association Pennaf is proposing to close the Plas y Dre and Plas Gogarth care of the elderly homes in Llandudno and replace them with a 44-unit sheltered housing complex on the Canolfan yr Orsedd site next to the resort’s hospital.

But objectors say the new facility is too far away from the town centre, meaning residents could be left feeling isolated, and there are also concerns it might have an adverse impact on the neighbouring T Llywelyn Community Centre which might have to curtail its activities.

“Plas y Dre Residential Home in Gloddaeth Avenue provides care for up to 25 residents. The building does not meet current expectations, for example none of the rooms are en-suite and unfortunately the building is not suitable for modernisation.

“Plas Gogarth provides care for up to 24 residents. Its rooms are en-suite but are too small to meet current standards and the fabric of the building requires substantial work. Neither home is running at full capacity,” said a Conwy county council spokesman.

The council’s cabinet has agreed that consultation can take place on proposals that would involve the phased closure of Plas y Dre by moving residents to Plas Gogarth until they can move into the new Extra Care Housing scheme in 2011.

The consultation with stakeholders, including service-users, their carers, staff, local councillors and key agencies in the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors starts on October 1 and runs until November 28.

For more information or to request a copy of the consultation document contact Brett Sadler, extra care housing manager at the council on 01492 576324.

judith.phillips