Pensioners set to learn homes fate

The fate of an old folk’s home earmarked for closure will be revealed at a briefing at the home on Tuesday.

Bishops Court, Boughton, is one of eight Nottinghamshire County Council care homes for the elderly earmarked for closure.

The council has carried out consultation on the proposals and officers have reached a decision, which will be voted on by the council on April 10.

The proposals will be revealed by the cabinet member for adult services and health, Mr Alan Rhodes, and the strategic director for adult social care and health, Mr David Pearson.

Protests held by the Bishops Court Action Group outside County Hall last year fell on deaf ears when the council still decided to consult on the proposed closure.

Many of the protesters have friends or relatives who live in the home.

Around 8,000 people signed a petition against the closure — one of the largest ever to be handed to the county council.

The chairman of the group, Mr Chris Butcher of Dove Croft, Ollerton, is hopeful the home will stay open after receiving a positive indication from an insider.

However, he said he would not be looking to celebrate until any announcement was made.

Mr Butcher said: “We are hopeful and we have had word that it is staying open, but we know how fickle councils can be.

“If we have not impressed on them the need for the home to stay open, using protests and a huge petition, then I do not know what more we can do.

“I have not spoken to anyone who thinks Bishops Court should close, and I believe the council is only doing it because of Government policy.

“We have got to help the elderly and frail but are the council going to take responsibility, or will they throw it away to private enterprise?”

Mr Butcher said the group may look to take legal action should the council decide to close the home.