Future of Sandwell care homes secured with deal

Around 150 jobs have been saved and 70 elderly people's future secured after council chiefs struck a deal to keep three Sandwell care homes open, it was revealed today.

Grafton Lodge in Oldbury, Glebefields in Tipton and Greenhaven in Great Bridge were threatened with clos-ure after Sandwell Council said it could not afford to keep them open after Government cuts last year.

But bosses delayed a final decision to try and find a partner to run the homes.

Today it emerged the cabinet has agreed to appoint Sandwell Community Caring Trust, one of two organisations which offered deals to run the homes.

Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper, said: "It has been a complex process, but I am delighted we have been able to reach a successful conclusion to our negotiations. It means the homes can now be saved."

The trust is a registered charity, based in West Bromwich, which currently cares for 700 disabled, disadvantaged and older people.

Chief executive Geoff Walker said: "Sandwell Community Caring Trust is looking forward to working with residents and their families, staff who transfer and the council to provide a long-term future for all residents and staff."

The deal will see around 150 staff transfer to the new partner and will save the council around £1.5 million a year.