A BRAMPTON care home will still close despite the move being called in for further scrutiny by councillors.

However, it has been recommended that Cumberland Council creates a clear plan for the provision of social care by Cumberland Care in the Brampton area.

Last month, members of Cumberland Council's executive committee approved the recommended option to close Moot Lodge in the town centre because the building was considered not fit for purpose and it would cost too much to make the required changes to the building.

However, the decision was referred to a special meeting of the people overview and scrutiny committee for further consideration.

Members met at the Civic Centre in Carlisle today (Wednesday, August 14) and Councillor Mike Mitchelson (Brampton, Conservative), who led the call-in, addressed the committee in front of a packed public gallery.

He said he was speaking on behalf of the many residents of Brampton who were "shocked, distressed and devastated" that the care home was facing closure as a result of the decision.

He added: "Moot Lodge is situated in the heart of Brampton, right in the Market Place, a position where its residents, although in a care home, are still part of the community of Brampton.

"They can look out of the windows and, for those who have been brought up and lived in Brampton, can still see everything which goes on in the town, they are in a place where relatives can call in and see their loved ones on a regular basis."

He said passers-by often waved at the residents who were not isolated due to the care home's location.

He added: "The standard of care provided by its excellent staff is first class. So many people have told me that when their relatives have been in Moot Lodge they have always been well looked after, comfortable and happy and it was so easy for them to visit."

Cllr Mitchelson said the closure would have a "severe negative impact" on the current residents and he was concerned for their mental impact as they would suffer anxiety and uncertainty.

He said he was concerned about the 12-week consultation as many residents had questioned its meaningfulness as right from the start the impression was that it was a foregone conclusion that the care home would close.

Cllr Mitchelson said: "The consultation resulted in an overwhelming response against the closure of Moot Lodge, in fact 86 per cent of people were against.

"In my opinion this totally reflects the views of the general public of Brampton and its surrounding area."

He questioned the cost of refurbishing the building, around £2.5million, and added: "There has been a total refurbishment of Eskdale House in Longtown but if Longtown was worth investing in then why not Brampton which is a larger and increasing population centre with more people requiring care?"

Councillor Lisa Brown (Currock, Labour), the portfolio holder for adults and community health, said the responses were analysed in great detail and, given that the decision was an executive decision, it "couldn't have been taken in advance".

She added: "One of the things that was important was the views of residents."

She said that the estimated cost of refurbishment was based on the redevelopment of other care homes but the budget was not the reason for the closure.

She added: "It's about the physical limitations of the building."

Councillor Jimmy Grisdale (Seaton, Labour) proposed that they agreed with the decision to close the home and added: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to agree with the executive. It's not fit for purpose."

Councillor Chris Wills (Upperby, Lib Dems) proposed that, while he felt the executive committee had made the right decision, it should be deferred to allow further engagement with the public for further discussion on the matter.

And councillor Martin Harris (Dearham and Broughton, Labour) proposed that they agree with the decision but recommend that a plan be developed for social care in the Brampton area which would be delivered by Cumberland Care.

When the matter was put to the vote six members were in favour of Cllr Harris' proposal with none voting against it.

Speaking after the vote Cllr Mitchelson said he was disappointed on behalf of the local residents of Brampton as there was a good turnout at the meeting.

He added: "The only extra that has been added to the decision is the fact that they have been asked to come up with a plan to provide a Cumberland Care-run facility into the future.

"I did say in the argument that it wasn't just about Moot Lodge. Moot Lodge was the prime thing at the moment, the biggest thing was taking away a council-run care facility from the Brampton area with an ageing population, an increasing population, and there needs to be capacity to cater for future care needs in Brampton.

"What we need to make sure is that Brampton is not left now with no facility because the private sector will not be able to cope with future demands."

Councillor Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour), the leader of the council, said: "These decisions aren't fun, these decisions are not easy. We are not naive about what this type of consultation brings and the public pressure it brings.

"The focus of press and public is immense, but these decisions have to be made. We feel this is the right decision for the right reasons."