Care home is being closed

A 36-place old people's care home will close because Dudley Council says it needs £1million spending on it to bring it up to scratch.

Amblecote House, King William Street, near Stourbridge, has 29 residents who would need alternative accommodation.

Forty three staff will need to be transfered elsewhere.

The council had to tell staff and residents about the plan ahead of a meeting this afternoon after it was leaked to the Express & Star.

It was already reported that Tiled House Care Home, Pensnett, would close before the end of the year and Arcal Lodge, Upper Gornal and Wallbrook House, Coseley, have already shut.

The future of the council's five other homes is also in doubt after cabinet member for adult, community and housing services, Councillor Lesley Faulkner, declined to comment on claims all are under threat.

She said: "I think that is pure speculation.

"We are reviewing social care services and no decisions have been made about closure of further homes.

"There will be close consultation with staff, residents and relatives."

A report expected to be rubberstamped next Thursday says significant capital expenditure including major works to the lounge roof would cost in excess of £140,000 and a major refurbishment would be needed costing at least £1m.

It says residents will have a chance to move into one of 200 flats being built under two extra care housing schemes in Russells Hall and Coseley which offer personal care packages.

Ward councillor and older people's champion, Councillor Pat Martin, said the home is outdated but is concerned about where residents will be moved.

Tiled House care home, Pensnett will shut by December 31. Union leaders say the council plans to cut social services spending by £14m over three years.