Care home campaigner dies at 107

The 107-year-old woman whose impassioned fight to remain in her Black Country care home made national headlines has died, her son said today.

Louisa Watts, from Wolverhampton, was one of Britain's oldest women.

She was one of five women evicted from Underhill House in Bushbury earlier this year when Wolverhampton City Council closed down the care home to cut costs.

She died peacefully at Bentley Court care home in Wednesfield, yesterday at 5.30pm.

Her son Derek, aged 78, and other family members, were with the pensioner when she died.

Mr Watts told the Express & Star he was distraught.

The great-grandfather, of Parker Road, Wednesfield, said: "She died at about 5.30pm yesterday. At this moment in time I'm very upset. She passed away peacefully in her bed and did not suffer."

Mr Watts spearheaded a campaign to keep Underhill House open - which ultimately failed and his mother was evicted in January along with four other elderly residents.

Mrs Watts, who turned 107 last month, moved into Bentley Court care home weeks ago and spent her final days there.

Mr Watts added: "We have to make arrangements now for her funeral. We are all very sad."